Asean Para Games draws 1,250 entries

More than 1,250 delegates, including the best differently-abled athletes from Southeast Asia, are expected to showcase their athletic prowess in the third ASEAN Para Games set Dec. 14-21 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

According to Michael Barredo, chairman of the Philippine ASEAN Para Games Organizing Committee (PAPGOC), entries by number of the 10 participating foreign countries have already been received by the organizers who expect more than 1,000 foreign athletes and officials to arrive in Manila.

Para Games powerhouse Thailand and reigning Southeast Asian Games overall champion Vietnam will both be sending 242 delegates, while Malaysia has the biggest contingent of 268 athletes and officials.

Indonesia will send 67 delegates, Myanmar has 50, Singapore 45, Brunei 41, Cambodia 24, East Timor 19, and Laos 12 delegates.

The Para Games is backed by the PCSO, Philippine Sports Commission, PLDT-Smart, Systems Technology, Inc., Philpost, Pfizer Inc., Red Ribbon, Philspada, the City Government of Manila, and various national government agencies.

Barredo, Board of Governors chairman of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation and recently elected president of the 113-nation member International Blind Sports Federation (IBSF), said the Philippines will have about 250 athletes and officials.

Barredo added that technical handbooks of various sports events featured in the Games have already been distributed to the participating countries.

Among the sports included in the calendar are athletics, swimming, powerlifting, badminton, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, goalball, chess, wheelchair tennis, and judo, while demonstration sports include sailing, boccia, tenpin bowling, and fencing.

The main hub for the Games is the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, while the San Andres Sports and Civic Center, GSIS Gymnasium, and Robinsons Place Manila will serve as satellite venues.

According to Barredo, organizers have set Oct. 15 as the deadline for submission of entries by name, which will determine the final number and composition of foreign delegations.