PH Paralympic chief ‘saddened’ as Asean Para Games hosting canceled

FILE – Athletes from Philippines parade during the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Naypyidaw on December 11, 2013. AFP PHOTO/ SOE THAN WIN / AFP PHOTO / Soe Than WIN

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines’ hosting of the 10th ASEAN Para Games is effectively canceled after the Philippine Sports Commission stopped the financial support for the staging of the event.

PSC’s move is in accordance with its directive that all sports activities in the Philippines for the rest of 2020 be postponed due to COVID-19.

“While this is disheartening news for our local and ASEAN para-athletes, who have trained and sacrificed so much to represent their respective countries, their health, and safety as well as their coaches, members of their team, and families, remain our top priority,” said Philippine Paralympic Committee, president Michael Barredo.

“We understand that this is a global concern and this is a very difficult decision to do. At this moment, sports must take a back seat to address a greater issue. Altogether, the hosting of the APG by the Philippines is currently not feasible without government support.”

The country and the rest of the world are expected to deal with the coronavirus pandemic until a longterm solution is found, which will make hosting big sporting events such as the Para Games highly unlikely.

Barredo said the PPC would communicate with ASEAN Para Sports Federation to discuss the situation and the future of the Asean Para Games.

“Our hearts and prayers go to our local and ASEAN para-athletes and the entire Paralympic community, and those who have toiled and labored for the past two years such as our stakeholders, sponsors, business groups, sports advocates, office workers, administrative staff, and countless volunteers who have committed to make the APG a lifelong experience for all of us,” said Barredo.

“We shall continue to develop Para Sports and further the Paralympic Movement.”