Preps for PH Asean Para Games 2020 hosting ‘on track’

After the showcase of the finest athletes in the Southeast Asian Games, the biggest sportsfest for para athletes in the region will unfold.

Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo announced on Wednesday that the country’s preparations for the Asean Para Games 2020 are already in full swing.

“We are on track in so far as the preparations are concerned. As hosts, we want to make sure that the Games will go along smoothly for a remarkable experience for the athletes and officials,’’ said Barredo.

A month after competitions in the 30th SEAG have concluded, over 2,500 athletes and officials from 16 sports will play in 518 events on January 18-24 in three cluster venues—New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, Clark Development Center and Subic.

The Asean Para Sports Federation headed by Senator General Osoth Bhavilai is confident the Philippines will pull off a successful hosting after attending the APSF-Philippine Asean Para Games Organizing Committee (Philapgoc) meeting at the Hilton Manila over the weekend.

Joining Bhavilai to personally witness the progress of the Philippine preparation were APSF secretary general Charnvit Munikanond, APSF chief classifier Prof. Datuk Dr. Rokiah Omar, APSF sports director Anindya Pradipta Susanto and coordinator Eko Juli Fitrianto.

The gathering was followed by a chef de mission meeting from the 11 participating countries on Monday before the CDMs and technical delegates toured the venues on Tuesday.

“We will extend the same effort, the same dedication, the same quality of work toward the Asean Para Games,’’ said Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee chief executive officer Ramon “Tats’’ Suzara.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano is the chairman of the Philapgoc while Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez is the co-vice chair with Barredo. Suzara sits as Philapgoc Chief Operating Officer.

Asian Para Games triple gold medalist Ernie Gawilan will spearhead the country’s campaign in para swimming while Sander Severino, another triple-gold performer in the continental scene, is expected to flourish in chess.

Other sports in the ASEAN Para Games calendar are para athletics, boccia, archery, football, badminton, cycling, para powerlifting, triathlon, goal ball, sitting volleyball, table tennis, wheelchair basketball and judo. Obstacle sports has been included as a demo sport.