Overseas Filipinos to assist RP Asiad bets

The Philippine Olympic Committee is counting on the "bayanihan" spirit as the country gears up for the 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar this December.

And if plans push through, Filipino athletes who will train in foreign countries will be asked to stay in the homes of their fellow Filipinos.

For the Asian Games, Cojuangco said he’s looking at 50 to a hundred athletes to represent the country.

According to POC president Jose Cojuangco, Filipino families in the US have already signified their intention to help the athletes who will see action in the Dec. 1 to 15 Asian Games.

Cojuangco said he will soon meet with these families in the US before he tries to reach out to those living in Australia or in other places where the RP athletes could train.

"We have set dinners with them, one in Los Angeles, then in California and Las Vegas, so we can discuss ways on how they can help our athletes," the POC chief said.

"Our athletes can stay in their houses while they train. These families can also take care of their meals. Our athletes can stay with them for free," Cojuangco explained.

Hundreds of RP athletes trained abroad, mostly in China, for the SEA Games where they emerged as the overall champions last December.

"But we were charged at least $35 a day in China. Medyo malaki ang siningil sa atin. This time, lalapit tayo sa mga Filipinos abroad. In Australia, there are already two families willing to house some athletes," he said.

Cojuangco said the athletes, once they are identified, will be sent overseas for training. He said countries like the US, Australia, China or Korea will be considered.

"About a hundred athletes, if trained for six months abroad, under good tutelage and proper handling, will produce winners in the Asian Games," said Cojuangco.

Cojuangco said the Doha-bound athletes may be identified by the different national sports associations based on their performances in the recent Southeast Asian Games.

"That will be the easiest way. Unless the NSAs have some fresh talents coming in," said Cojuangco, adding that selecting the athletes is mainly the responsibility of the NSAs.