by Nick Giongco
The official one-year countdown to the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games starts Nov. 30, according to the Philippine Olympic Committee (P0C), which is spearheading the overall preparations.
As a prelude to the staging of the 11-nation sportsfest, the SEAG Federation Council convenes on Nov. 23 and 24 at the Conrad Hotel.
Delegates are planning on Nov. 22, said the POC with the final composition of sports and events and venues set to be finalized.
A total of 56 sports are being eyed for inclusion and POC spokesperson Ed Picson insists that the final number will be known during the meeting next week as he brushed off claims that it is already cast in stone.
The New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, is the main hub with key venues in Metro Manila playing host to marquee sports like basketball and boxing.
Only centerpiece sports athletics and swimming are going to be played at the New Clark Green City as the construction has entered a fast phase.
Also to be discussed next week is the venue of the opening ceremony since the SEAG hub is off the beaten path.
The Philippine Arena is being looked at as a venue for the inaugurals since it would be much easier to ferry spectators there than in Tarlac.
