by Nick Giongco
To show the readiness of the venues, as much as 15 test events are going to be played in the run-up to the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
The Philippine SEAG Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) said in a media briefing on Thursday that “10-15 sports, including swimming and athletics” will stage pre-SEAG events, Phisgoc Chief Operating Officer Tats Suzara said.
The SEAG will run from Nov. 30-Dec. 11 and taekwondo actually will have its turn next month.
“The test events will run until October,” said Suzara, noting that the Phisgoc is on track in its preparations as it works hand-in-hand with the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.
Phisgoc chairman Alan Peter Cayetano said the Philippine hosting is more than just a sporting event, adding that the Phisgoc is working closely behind with the Dept. of Tourism owing to the expected deluge of foreigners not just from the 10 other SEAG member nations.
“This is an opportunity to show the world that the Philippines is not just Metro Manila. We’d like to show everyone what the Philippines can do,” said Cayetano.
Suzara said that the SEAG visitors will hit 17,000 since 12,000 of these are already composed of athletes and officials.
