Filipino coaches tapped to help Brunei bets

MANILA, Philippines - As requested by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Filipino coaches in athletics, basketball, golf and softball are currently assisting the national athletes of Brunei Darussalam in connection with the Memorandum of Understanding on sports cooperation.

This was discussed in the Joint Committee meeting in capital city Bandar Seri Begawan attended by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Ricardo Garcia.

Accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Nestor Ochoa and Brunei Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Hazair, Garcia paid a courtesy call to His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the Royal Palace.  

“We already enjoy a very close cooperation which we wish to expand in terms of sharing information, sports techniques and technical officiating,” said Minister Pehin Hazair who was in Manila last year to discuss the details of the MOU.

Likewise, the Sports Minister is seeking assistance in the staging of international sports events in preparation for its hosting of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on 2017.

Stressing the importance of youth sports volunteerism, the Minister added, “we hope to encourage our young people to be involved in sports not only as athletes but also as sports officials.”

While visiting the sports facilities, chairman Garcia invited Brunei athletes to train in the Philippines and play with the national athletes.

“Sports cooperation between the Philippines and Brunei will contribute to the realization of a strengthened Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) community,” said Garcia.

Chairman Garcia and Minister Pehin Hazair attended the “1st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports” in Yogyakarta, Indonesia last December aimed for the recognition of sports as an effective instrument in bringing greater interaction among the ASEAN people by promoting development, peace and stability in the region.