Southeast Asian Games obstacle sports pool formed

MANILA, Philippines — The Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF) is making sure that its athletes can hurdle the challenge in the 30th Southeast Asian Games next year.

Obstacle sports, fast-gaining popularity in the region, will make its debut in the SEA Games which the country is hosting from November 30 to December 11.

This early, the POSF headed by Atty. Al Agra is forming a pool composed of 10 male and 10 female athletes, leading to a final selection.

The sport will offer six gold medals in Subic — two each in the 100 meters with 10 obstacles, 400 meters with 12 obstacles and 5 kms with 20 obstacles.

Agra said the 20 members of the pool represent the top finishers in the two Philippine Opens that were held this month.

The POSF, which is recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and World OCR (Obstacle Course Racing), has promised full support to their athletes.

The final team to the SEA Games will undergo training at the USA Olympic Training Center in Colorado and will be provided with other international exposure.

Agra said while in the country, they will train at the soon-to-open Pretty Huge Obstacles, the biggest obstacle sports facility in Asia, at SM Aura.

“We will hold four qualifying races with performance targets as measures for inclusion to the national team for the SEA Games. We are forming the best team possible,” he said.