PHILIPPINE Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann reiterated the agency’s commitment to support elite athletes as far as resources and policies would allow.
Bachmann, who has been cheering Filipino athletes fighting in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, praised their determination and dedication to win.
“It is really amazing to see their hard work translate into medals,” said the agency chief who made the rounds of training venues in the first months of his leadership, in order to get to know the athletes.
Bachmann shared that the commission is actively looking after the athletes’ needs.
The Philippine government, through the PSC, is bankrolling the participation of the delegation, covering airfare, early-arrival expenses, uniforms, allowances, equipment, supplies, manpower, medical support, and other expenses.
The agency also took care of training, exposure competitions and other Pre-SEAG expenditures.
So far, more than P200 million has been disbursed to cover SEA Games related expenses.
Asked about the delegation’s prospects, Bachmann remarked that the aim is always to finish better than the last performance and “with all these medals coming, and the remaining expected medals which have not yet been competed in, I am hopeful for more wins.”
During the 31st edition in Hanoi last year, the country finished 4th overall with 52 gold, 70 silver and 105 bronze medals.