Asian Olympic qualifier up in Palawan

The stage is set for the country’s hosting of the 22nd Asian Boxing First Olympic qualifying following the recent signing of the memorandum of agreement between leaders of Palawan, Puerto Princesa City and the ruling Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines.

Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes, Mayor Edward Hagedorn of Puerto Princesa City and ABAP President Manny Lopez agreed that the qualifying will be held from Jan. 10-18 at the Puerto Princesa Coliseum.

"It is with honor and pride that Puerto Princesa and Palawan will host this gigantic gathering of Asia’s leading boxers. We join hands in making sure that this event will be a tremendous success,’’ said Mayor Hagedorn and Gov. Reyes.

Known for their tremendous support for sports development, Gov. Reyes and Mayor Hagedorn expressed confidence that the qualifying will also lead to the victories of Filipino bets over their Asian counterparts.

‘’Palawan and Puerto Princesa are active partners of the national passion for the Olympic gold. By hosting the qualifying, we are doing our humble share and at the same time promote the unspoiled beauty and warmth of Palaweños,’’ the two political leaders said.

Gov. Reyes and Mayor Hagedorn also thanked the ABAP under Lopez for its support and belief in the capabilities of Palawan and Puerto Princesa to host an international sporting event.

Known as the Last Frontier for its vast natural resources, which never fail to attract domestic and foreign tourists, Palawan and Puerto Princesa have successfully hosted various sporting events like the National Boxing Open, the International Sepak Takraw championships, the BIMP-EAGA Games, the Air21 Cycling Challenge, etc. It also hosted with great success PBA games and regional multi-events like the Palarong Pambansa.

‘’Gov. Reyes and Mayor Hagedorn’s ability to work hand in hand will ensure the success of the qualifying. There’s no doubt in my mind that they think and act the same in pursuit of sporting excellence in the national and international level. In behalf of ABAP, I salute them for their cooperation,’’ Lopez said.

The Philippines hosted the qualifying in the 1992 and 1996. Mansueto ‘’Onyok’’ Velasco became a household name when he qualified and won the country’s second silver medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

The Puerto Princesa event is the first of three Asian qualifyings scheduled for 2004. Other hosts are Pakistan and China.

Though the lists are still being finalized, Lopez said that not less than 25 countries, including the Philippines, will compete for berths in the 2004 Athens Olympics.

‘’We are determined to make it to Athens. I’m glad that the qualifying starts right in our own homeland,’’ Lopez stressed.

Gov. Reyes and Mayor Hagedorn said Puerto Princesa has the infrastructure to attend to the needs of the delegates, including athletes and officials from all over Asia.

‘’We’re ready and excited to host this event. Palawan and Puerto Princesa want to show the world that Filipinos, specifically Palaweños can do it right,’’ said Gov. Reyes and Mayor Hagedorn.