Everlast named SEAG contingent outfitter

Everlast, a boxing equipment and sports apparel manufacturer, won the bidding as Team Philippines’ official outfitter in the 24th Southeast Asian Games set Dec. 6-16 inNakhon Ratchasima , Thailand .

But a top official of the Philippine Olympic Committee accused another POC official of influencing the outcome of the bidding.

“The POC wrote the PSC a letter recommending Everlast as the official outfitter of our national athletes competing in the Thailand SEA Games. In a bidding process, that’s unethical,” said the official, who requested not to be identified.

A source said Everlast edged two competitors despite havaing  the highest bid. Grant actually had the lowest bid followed by Accel, another sports apparel and shoe company.

PSC commissioner Ritchie Garcia made the confirmation of Everlast outfitting the country’s 591 athletes seeing action in 42 events in the biennial 11-nation event.    

Garcia also confirmed reports that there were offers from the winning bidder outside of the package laid down on the table during the bidding process. – Joey Villar