POC starts buildup for 2007 SEA Games

The Philippine Olympic Committee is expected to meet with heads of the various national sports associations (NSAs) next week as it starts its preparation for the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand in December.

POC spokesman Joey Romasanta said the POC has formed a special committee that will be tasked to make an assessment of the country’s chances in the biennial 11-nation event based on the performances of each NSA in past international tournaments, including the 2006 Doha Asian Games.

Romasanta is a member of the planning group headed by swimming’s Mark Joseph with archery’s Leonora Brawner, gymnastics’ Dulce Saguisag and facilitator Dr. Benjamin Espiritu as the other members.

NSAs were also asked to submit their programs and financial plans for this year until next week to help facilitate the process of coming up with standards that will be used in the selection of members of the national team going to Bangkok.

"We’ll start reviewing their programs just like what we did in 2005 before the Manila SEA Games," Romasanta told The STAR yesterday. "We’ll meet next week so that we can get all NSAs together and discuss the matter."

Joseph, for his part, said the planning process is not only geared towards the Bangkok Games but also the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Actually, we are refocusing after the (2005 Manila) SEAG for NSAs to come up with their financial plans to complement the strategic plans they submitted last year, then the action plans for the period through 2008," said Joseph.

"There are big challenges ahead, same with opportunities. We just need to work harder to achieve our goals," he added.

Philippine Sports Commission chair William "Butch" Ramirez is likewise looking toward 2008 after he was given by President Arroyo the free hand to lead the country in its pursuit for the first Olympic gold medal.

Their plan — invite wealthy Fil-foreigners to help fund the country’s Olympic gold quest.

"We will spread the good news to these businessmen who are earning so much," said Ramirez.

The country is hoping to sustain its success in the 2005 Manila SEAG where it emerged the overall champion with a 113-gold, 84-silver and 94-bronze medal haul.

RP is also riding the crest of its best showing in the Asian Games since 1962 following a four-gold, six-silver and nine-bronze harvest in the Doha Games, thanks to victories in billiards, boxing and wushu.