PSC stages OFW Games at RMSC

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), will hold the OFW Friendship Games: Pamaskong Palaro 2002 on Dec. 16-18 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The PSC, through commissioner Mike Barredo who handles sectoral concerns, and the OWWA’s Overseas Operations Coordinating Center under Dir. Marianito Roque, is the prime mover of this project which aims to provide an alternative activity while promoting physical fitness and participation in sports to OFWs who come home and spend time with their families during the holiday season.

Roque said in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Holiday Inn that an average of 70,000 Filipino OFWs come home for the holidays.

The event is an offshoot of the Philippine Friendship Games, being held on a regional basis in the Middle East, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Close to 200 overseas workers representing 12 overseas job sites and regional offices are invited to compete in five sports events –chess, bowling, darts, table tennis and lawn tennis. Fun games will also be conducted on the first day of competition to provide enjoyable activities to the workers together with their families.

Expected to grace the opening ceremonies on Monday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium is First Gentleman Mike Arroyo along with DOLE Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, PSC chairman Eric Buhain and newly-appointed OWWA Administrator Virgilio Angelo.

The three-day event will be capped by a special awards night during the last day of competition that will serve as the get-together party of the overseas workers.