With no government funding, Para Games also shelved
The fate of the 10th Asean Para Games (APG) that the Philippines is supposed to host is now in the hands of the Asean Para Sports Federation (APSF).
Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo said he would inform the APSF, the federation’s highest decision-making body, on the decision of the government to discontinue its financial support of the country’s hosting of the Games.
“The hosting of the APG by the Philippines is currently not feasible without government support. We will send a communication to the APSF on the present situation, so that its board of governors may decide on the fate of the APG,’’ Barredo said.
The Philippine Sports Commission, the government body that funds meets like the Para Games, recently announced that sports activities for the rest of the year have been shelved due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The agency likewise decided not to continue its monetary backing to the organizing committee of the APG and will instead use the funding to fight the growing public health hazard.
“We understand that this is a global concern and this is a very difficult decision. At the moment, sports must take a back seat to address a greater issue,’’ said Barredo, the current chair of the 11-country APSF board of governors.
“While this is disheartening for our local and Asean para athletes, their health and safety together with their coaches, team members and families remain our top priority,’’ Barredo added.
Postponed twice, the APG has been tentatively set early October in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac and Subic pending the approval of the APSF with over 2,000 para athletes from 11 countries expected to compete in at least 20 sports.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust to government directives. Our hearts and prayers go to the entire Paralympic community,” Barredo said. INQ
