RP’s SEA Games contingent exceeds 400 mark

The Philippine contingent to the 21st Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur this September has already surpassed the 400 mark earlier projected by the SEA Games Task Force composed of representatives from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

The number has swelled to 439 with eight more national sports associations trying to beat the Aug. 6 deadline set by the task force for the possible inclusion of more athletes. The list does not include basketball whose participation in the biennial meet remains in doubt as a result of the FIBA suspension.

The latest number consists of 201 athletes, 80 coaches and assistant coaches, 26 team managers and 42 members of the support staff, including administrative officials, medical personnel, the chief of mission and his four assistants.

The PSC has earmarked P30-M for the SEA Games participation. POC secretary general Romeo Ribano said the possible inclusion of more athletes is no cause for alarm since it will still be within the original budget.

The NSAs still trying to beef up their medal chances with additional athletes are athletics (11), cycling (3), golf (2), judo (5), lawn bowls (1) tennis (3), pencak silat (8) and synchronized swimming (2). If the FIBA lifts its suspension on the BAP, it would mean an additional 24 athletes–12 each for the men’s and women’s squads. — Abac Cordero