PSC sees way to deal with SEA Games billeting problem

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia said it was too early to worry about possible billeting problems in one of the two major sites of the coming Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

If it was an issue, Garcia said he would likely bring down the size of the PH delegation to the Nov. 11 to 22 biennial meet.

“We hope not to send a big delegation. The smaller the group, the smaller the expense and the possible problems that could arise,” said Garcia.

Reports said that Palembang City in South Sumatra, which would co-host the SEAG along with Jakarta, has been building an athletes’ village, which could house only 3,000 out of the expected 6,000 athletes coming from 10 countries.

“We don’t know yet how many athletes will go there. Once the number is established, we’ll inquire if the athletes’ village could accommodate them,” said Garcia. “If not, we’ll find a hotel for our athletes.”