OCA exec lauds Philippines hosting of SEA Games

Philippine delegates cheer during the opening ceremony of the 30th South East Asian Games at the Philippine Arena, Bulacan province, northern Philippines on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

MANILA, Philippines—A high-ranking official from the Olympic Council of Asia praised the Philippines for its organization of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Wei Jizhong, the vice president of Olympic Council of Asia, said in a press conference on Monday said he believes the Philippines can host “bigger scale” events after seeing how the ongoing SEA Games in the country is running.

From the slogan “We Win as One,” to fan engagement, and even to President Rodrigo Duterte taking responsibility for the early mistakes in the SEA Games, Wei said the Philippines has so far organized a SEA Games that is “working well.”

“The gold medal is not the only target of the Games and the most important thing is the friendship and we are working for a better future afterwards,” said Wei.

“During the opening ceremonies, we witnessed the enthusiasm of all the participants because you allowed the athletes to walk in droves because sometimes they limit the number [of athletes who will parade].”

“The parade is to honor the athletes, and that just means the Philippines is capable of organizing bigger scale games.”

Wei, who was the third president of the FIVB, added that this was the first time he saw the head statesman of a country apologize for the mistakes and mishaps done to the foreign contingencies.

It was well-documented how several teams experienced travel mishaps from the airport to the hotel and that even the food didn’t meet the athlete’s standards.

Duterte and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, head of the organizing committee, have since apologized for the mistakes that happened mostly before the SEA Games officially opened.

“This is only the first time that I’ve heard the president and the speaker apologize, I’ve never seen that,” said Wei. “This is the first time and this means the high authority of the country is keen to provide the best condition.”