Hosting the 10th ASEAN Para Games is no longer feasible.
Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo said this after learning that Philippine Sports Commission has withdrawn its support for the staging of the meet.
Agency officials made its decision last Wednesday following a virtual board meeting.
“While this is disheartening news for our local and ASEAN para-athletes, who have trained and sacrificed so much to represent their respective countries, their health, and safety as well as their coaches, members of their team, and families, remain our top priority,” said Barredo.
The agency is set to implement belt-tightening actions in its effort to keep its commitment of support to members of the national team.
The measures will also be done in compliance with an advisory coming from the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases to cancel the staging of sports activities for the next seven months.
“Altogether, the hosting of the APG by the Philippines is currently not feasible without government support. We will send a communication to the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) on the present situation so that its Board of Governors may decide on the fate of the APG,” said Barredo in a statement.
Barredo added that the PPC will continue to monitor the situation and adjust to government directives, aimed at protecting the public from the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our hearts and prayers go to our local and ASEAN para-athletes and the entire Paralympic community, and those who have toiled and labored for the past two years such as our stakeholders, sponsors, business groups, sports advocates, office workers, administrative staff, and countless volunteers who have committed to make the APG a lifelong experience for all of us. We shall continue to develop Para Sports and further the Paralympic Movement,” stated Barredo.
The staging of the APG has been called off three times this year.