Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara said yesterday the Athletes Village at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, is set to welcome the first batch of occupants on Sunday, less than a week before the SEAG formally opens on Nov. 30.
The Phisgoc is likewise running a simulation of the Athletes Village Dining Hall on Thursday, proof that the biennial sportsfest the Philippines is hosting is proceeding as scheduled.
Suzara said the opening of the country’s first Athletes Village should kick off what is being targeted as a landmark event in Philippine sporting history.
“We want this not only the biggest SEA Games but well-hosted as well,” said Suzara during the broadcast launch of Sama Sama sa Sea Games of TV5 and Cignal.
Last week, the Phisgoc worked closely with the MMDA and Dept. of Transportation during a traffic simulation from Pasay City to the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, site of the opening ceremonies on Nov. 30.
“It took us just an hour, which is fast considering the starting point,” said Suzara, noting that there is an exclusive lane for SEAG delegates.
Meanwhile, Janes Basas, TV5 head, said action during the event will be enjoyed on all platforms.
Several top sportsmen are also being tapped to lend expertise during the coverage, according to TV5.
The mainstream sports will be featured on free TV with basketball and boxing leading the way owing to its immense popularity.
SKATEBOARDING
VENUE ALSO READY
Meantime, organizers assured that the skateboarding venue will be ready in time for the biennial event.
Skateboarding and Roller Sport Association of the Philippines president Monty Mendigoria said the venue is 99.5 percent ready and that the national team seeing action in the biennial meet has already been practicing since last week at the Tagaytay street and park courses.
Some athletes including Asian Games champion Margie Didal will be arriving on Wednesday from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to resume their training this weekend.
Joining Didal are Kiko Francisco and coach Daniel Bautista.
Fil-American Cristiana Means will also arrive next week from Oregon.
Jeffrey Gonzales, who trained overseas, has already been practicing with the local-based team as well as the 4-man downhill skateboarding squad led by Jaime Delange and Abigail Veloria.
The competition will be held on Dec. 3 to 8 in Tagaytay with eight gold medals at stake in the Park, Street, Game of Skate and downhill events.
Other participating countries are Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.