Bulk of Philippine contingent due Wednesday

SINGAPORE—The biggest wave of Filipino athletes led by the high-profile athletics team arrives here Wednesday two days before the opening ceremonies of the 28th Southeast Asian Games.

“We have a very large Filipino community here, our athletes will definitely feel at home,’’ said Philippine chief of mission Julian Camacho during Tuesday’s flag-raising ceremony at the impressive Singapore National Stadium.

The 223 athletes and officials flying in include the 34-member athletics squad whose president, Philip Juico, has predicted a maximum of 12 golds.

Also due today are the rifle and pistol shooters, judo and wushu fighters, boxers, triathletes, swimmers, divers and entries from billiards, sepak takraw, tennis and petanque and the rugby sevens and softball squads.

Former world pool titlists Dennis Orcollo and Rubilen Amit are the biggest names in the contingent.

The women’s volleyball team, headed by flag-bearer Alyssa Valdez, will check in Thursday along with the remaining athletes from swimming, athletics, judo and practical shooting.