Elite PSC list of 150 athletes known

MANILA, Philippines – After going through a stringent screening process, the Philippine Sports Commission will announce Thursday the 150 elite athletes who will get intensive training for the next Southeast Asian Games.

PSC chair Richie Garcia said the individual gold medalists of the last SEAG in Indonesia, except for some old, overstaying winners, will head the select group tasked to spearhead the country’s campaign in the 2013 edition of the biennial meet in Myanmar.

An initial budget of P100 million will be allocated for the training, international exposure and allowances of the athletes, Garcia said.

“Gold medalists in the SEA Games made the list except the overaged athletes,” said Garcia, who will formally announce the members of the favored core during the PSC assembly today.

The PSC top honcho said the program aims to produce 60-70 gold medals in the Myanmar games.

The Philippines wound up a record low sixth overall with 36 gold medals, 56 silvers and 77 bronzes in the Indonesia meet three months ago.

“We’re focusing on these medal winners because they’re tested. Full support through allowances, nutrition, foreign training and exposure will be provided,” said Garcia.

But Garcia said members of the elite group won’t be allowed to take another job: “Either you serve as full-time athletes or you’re out.”

Complementing the project is a long-term program anchored on 10 priority sports to be identified by the PSC and the POC.

Garcia said the agency will soon announce the list of deserving disciplines, which are expected to produce future Olympic medalists and world champions.