With the inclusion of numerous team sports, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is assembling what could be the country’s largest delegation yet for the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, set from December 9 to 20 in Thailand.
More than 1,600 Filipino athletes are currently in training for the biennial event, which will take place in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region and the provinces of Chonburi and Songkhla.
“This is the biggest delegation we’ve had in the SEA Games,” said POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino. “Why? Because there are a lot of team events.”
Among the featured team sports are football, futsal, cheer dancing, basketball, volleyball, and winter sports.
Esports will also have a strong presence, with powerhouse squad Team Liquid earning the right to represent the Philippines in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang men’s event after their 3-1 win over Nine Lives in the national finals. Several of their players will now form part of the SIBOL national team, including standout Gold Laner Kiel “Oheb” Soriano.
To support the athletes’ preparations, more facilities under the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) are being made available. PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio has committed full support to the national campaign and recently met with Tolentino to map out strategies for building a competitive delegation.
“We are prepared to support this—from hiring quality coaches to addressing the athletes’ needs,” said Gregorio.
