PSC to spend P80M for Asiad athletes

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will have a “war chest” of P80 million for the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia Thursday announced that P50 million would be earmarked for the training of athletes in the runup to the Asiad while the rest would go to the country’s participation in the Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 continental games.

The sports-funding agency usually allocates P30 million for the competition proper of multievent competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.

“We have already approved a supplemental budget of P50 million for the training of athletes in the Asian Games,” said Garcia, the country’s Asiad chef de mission.

“The amount is on top of the P30 million the PSC usually earmarks (for participation).”

Garcia added they would ask the support of the private sector to further boost the fund, part of which would be allotted for the country’s preparations for the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore.

The Asiad task force will begin screening the athletes recommended by the national sports associations on Monday with boxing, golf and equestrian set to defend the athletes of their choice.

A total of 32 NSAs plan to send athletes to the 45-country games where gold medals in 437 events from 36 sports are at stake.