451 PH bets to Singapore SEA Games

The Philippines has submitted a list of 451 athletes in 34 sports to the organizing committee of the 28th Southeast Asian Games set in Singapore this June.

Chef de mission Julian Camacho said they’ve forwarded the names of the athletes through e-mail to beat Wednesday’s deadline set by the organizers, except for 11 entries from swimming still needing confirmation.

“We’re just waiting for their (swimming officials) confirmation. I hope it won’t be a problem,” said Camacho.

He declined to release the final lineup of the Philippine delegation yesterday pending the approval of the POC executive board headed by president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr.

The POC board will convene on April 15.

“Nothing is certain until the POC says so,” said Camacho.

It will be the third biggest Philippine delegation since 2007 in Thailand (620 Filipino athletes) and 2011 in Indonesia (512).

The delegation includes 51 athletes who will shoulder their own participation during the June 5 to 16 Games through sponsorships.

The last-minute entries are six in practical shooting, eight in traditional boat racing, 13 in women’s water polo, 12 in women’s netball and 12 in men’s volleyball.

The Philippine Sports Commission will reimburse their expenses if they win medals which will also entitle them to corresponding cash incentives from the government.