Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
The performance of national athletes in the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur next month would determine the financial assistance they would get from the Philippine Sports Commission.
Apart from the SEA Games, chair Butch Ramirez said the PSC would analyze the 10-year performance of national sports associations (NSAs)
“We’re praying for their success,” said Ramirez after the PSC approved the P86,777,500 budget for the Philippine delegation.
“If we see that they are nonperforming, it’s either we give them a little amount or nothing at all.”
The approved amount by the PSC board will cover airfare, accommodation, uniforms and allowances of the contingent, which includes 498 athletes from 37 sports. Majority of the budget has been earmarked for the billeting of the national team.
A total of 163 coaches will join the athletes and 63 medical staff and members of the secretariat during the Aug. 19 to 30 Games.
Success for the national team would mean landing fifth or better among 11 countries after placing sixth in 2015 in Singapore and seventh in the 2013 Myanmar Games—the worst PH performance in the biennial meet.