SEAG still Tolentino’s top priority as POC chief

The country’s hosting of the 30^th Southeast Asian Games will still be the Philippine Olympic Committee’s (POC) main priority despite the change of leadership in newly-elected president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

Tolentino, who won over track and field chief Philip Ella Juico on Sunday’s special elections, said they are not diverting their focus from the biennial meet after assuming the post of resigned Ricky Vargas.

“We’re not yet moving away from that direction,” said Tolentino, who also heads the national cycling association.

“We have only a few months to go. We’re still in that direction where the PHISGOC, the POC and the PSC will work together for the success of the SEA Games,” he added, referring to the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

The three agencies have been working hand-in-hand in speeding up the preparations for the biennial meet, and even showed their unified front during a “Unity Meeting” at the Malacañang Palace a week ago along with athletes, officials and several government officials.

After the SEA Games, Tolentino said they will set their eyes on the country’s hosting of the 10^th ASEAN Para Games on Jan. 18 to 25 and the country’s participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Tolentino will only be serving the remainder of Vargas’ term until November next year, but seeks to make it productive for the athletes’ well-being.

Also being elected along with Tolentino were handball’s Steve Hontiveros as Chairman and Board Members Clint Aranas of archery and Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics.

They will join holdovers in the executive council that include first Vice President Joey Romasanta of volleyball, second VP Jeff Tamayo of soft tennis, treasurer Julian Camacho of wushu, auditor Jonne Go of canoe-kayak and board members Robert Mananquil of billiards and Prospero Pichay of chess.

Tolentino also bared his plans to name Pato Gregorio as secretary general, fencing chief Richard Gomez as deputy secretary general, and Lucas Managuelod of muay as membership committee chairman. (KRISTEL SATUMBAGA)