POC looks into SEA Games debacle Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Olympic Committee will look into what went wrong for the country in the recent 26th Indonesia Southeast Asian Games when it gathers all participating national sports association for an assessment session Tuesday.

POC secretary general Steve Hontiveros said he will ask the 39 NSAs which sent athletes to the Games to submit a report comparing their prediction before the Games with the results.

“We want to know what we can do (to improve our performance) in the next competition,” said Hontiveros.

The meeting, to be held at the POC office at PhilSports Complex in Pasig, will be presided over by POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr.

Cojuangco on Thursday blamed the lack of funds for the Filipinos’ poor form in the Games. He said limited resources had tied the hands of sports officials.

Hontiveros said they need to evaluate the performance and, if money is indeed the problem, find out “where can we channel the funds.”

The Philippines finished sixth in the Games with 36 gold, 56 silver and 77 bronze medals, tying its worst showing since the 2007 Games in Thailand.

Still, Malacañang lauded the Filipino winners, saying they deserve applause despite the country’s poor overall finish.

Cojuangco also praised the athletes for their sacrifices.

“Many people do not know the sacrifices that the athletes gave to be able to win honors for the country, like missing school, spending their own or parents’ money and training many hours a day, sometimes on their own,” he said.

“Many sports do not even have training facilities for the athletes. I do not think we can ask more from them. Of course, there are a few whose only concern is their personal welfare.”