By Nick Giongco
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) yesterday didn’t mince words in its target of taking the lion’s share of the estimated 450 gold medals up for grabs when the country hosts the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“That’s really your target when you are the host,” said POC chairman and Tagaytay City congressman Bambol Tolentino.
Unlike other officials who dilly-dally when asked about its pure intentions, Tolentino was direct to the point and made it clear that the Philippines is gunning for the overall title.
So far, 56 sports have been chosen when the New Clark Green City in Capas, Tarlac, hosts the biennial sportsfest alongside key locales in Metro Manila, Bulacan and Subic.
That number will be formalized when the SEAG Federation Council convenes next month, said Tolentino, who is not only serving as cycling chief but head of the 2019 SEAG organizing committee sports committee.
“The number of sports, 56, has been agreed upon and the final number of events will have to be the one that will be finalized next month,” he said.
The Philippines won the overall crown when it hosted the 2005 SEAG, but failed to land higher than fifth place in the succeeding Games.
