THE 224-member Philippine contingent leaves for Singapore to compete in the 9th Association of Southeast Asian Nations School Games from July 13 to 21.
The Philippine contingent will be led by Philippines Chef-De-Mission Rizalito Jose Rosales, along with Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali, and Philippine Sports Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey.
The Philippine team is composed of 159 Palaro and Batang Pinoy medalists along with 23 coaches as they aim to bring home top honors in different sports events including athletics, lawn tennis, table tennis, swimming, badminton, sepak takraw, rhythmic gymnastics, and artistic gymnastics.
Athletes were also housed for 10 days in different facilities here in Metro Manila to train, including the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City before leaving for Singapore.
Potential medalists for the Philippine team’s campaign in the ASEAN School Games are swimmers Maurice Sacho Ilustre and Jerald Jacinto and tracksters Francis Obiena and Jie Anne Calis.
Umali challenged the athletes to strive for excellence and compete in the spirit of sportsmanship during the Pre-Departure Orientation for the Philippine delegation held at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central Office last Saturday.
Umali also encouraged them that gold medalists in the ASEAN School Games will receive a P5,000 incentive, while the gold medalists for the team events will each get P5,000 each.
Umali said they are aiming for a better finish this year, eyeing the second and third place finish overall in the ASEAN School Games.
“For this year, we hope to land second or third,” Umali said.
Aside from the competition, Comm. Maxey said participating athletes should never forget to have fun while competing.
“Represent your country well. Play your best but play fair and at the same time have fun,” Maxey said.
The PSC allocated P700,000 for the athletes’ training allowance and provided them with parade suits for the opening ceremonies which will be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday.
In 2014, Philippines recorded its best finish in the ASEAN School Games, totaling 11 golds, 14 silvers, and 22 bronze medals for 4th place overall.