Lack of funds limits Cebu participation in biennial ARAFURA Games in Darwin

CEBU, Philippines – Cebuano athletes have represented the Philippines in the biennial ARAFURA Games in Darwin, Australia.

Lack of funds or sponsors, however, may force many athletes to stay home rather than participate in this year’s edition slated from May 9-17.

In a meeting yesterday with PSC Commissioner and Executive Director Fr. Vicente Uy, local sports leaders are mulling to send at least 100 athletes to vie in 27 sports disciplines.

It is likely that only handful could make it after Fr. Uy said his office could only shell out P900,000 for parade uniforms, home stay program, travel tax exemption and visa assistance.

The athletes have to shoulder their airfare and personal pocket money.

Fr. Uy, however, assured Cebu sports coordinators that athletes who make it to Darwin don’t have to worry about accommodation.

“They will have no more problems in their accommodation and boarding because our fellow Fil-Australian families extended their support to the Filipino athletes and they will adopt our athletes to live in their houses for the week-long event,” Fr. Uy said.

Fr. Uy said that he would like more Cebuano athletes to participate in the games because two new disciplines have been included – darts and Muay Thai – where Cebuanos excel. There are also eight Paralympics events.

So far only Leizl Getaruelas (athletics), Marissa Flores and Glendo Nayre (table tennis), Ian Mendez and Arolas Amahit Jr. (badminton) and Lorelou Alburo, Macy Solon, Kristel Mae Buenacosa and Sally Mae Siso (lawn tennis) have confirmed their participation.

The ARAFURA Games is a biennial event for athletes from the Pacific Region and Southeast Asian countries. Recently, however, athletes from Hong Kong, Fiji, Canada and the United States started participating.

In 2007, the Philippines placed 11th among 36 participating countries. It was the country’s highest finish.

The PSC has extended the deadline for registration until this week. Interested athletes may visit the PSC Region VII office at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) and look for Dr. Danilo Villadolid. — Marigold P. Lebumfacil ­­­(THE FREEMAN)