By MARK REY MONTEJO
Budding athletes will have a chance to shine as they compete in the 2024 Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Friendship Games in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan slated Dec. 1 to 5.
The regional tournament that was launched 28 years ago in General Santos is looking for grand a return after being held last in 2018 in Brunei Darussalam.
The sporting spectacle aims not only to further hone the skills of the youth, but also it hopes to showcase the local culture of each country, including their products and services by holding sports expo and cultural night.
“Itong games na ‘to will give an opportunity to increase the trade industry, tourism by a form of a sports expo, our neighboring countries will have opportunity to promote their activities, fiestas, so may fare sya,” said Torres in Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the 24/7 sports app in the country, ArenaPlus.
“Sports are very important in establishing relationships,” Torres added.
The sports event will also tackle responsible usage of technology, sports tourism and to strengthen the partnership of the participating countries.
BIMP-EAGA caters only to athletes aged 16 to 21 years old and who are non-member of a national team or who have not competed in any international tournaments.
“We want it to make it bigger and better to make it memorable for everybody,” he added.
Esports and karate have been added to this year’s calendar, raising the number of sports disciplines to 12.
“Magandang simula to good form to identify athletes [and] we’re creating a torch to be passed on the next games and I hope to be carried on as the games continue,” he added.
PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann promised to give participants an event to remember.
“We want them to give them a great experience especially ‘yong mga neighboring countries natin,” added Bachmann.
