POC lacks funds for 94 more SEA Games athletes
11/03/2009 | 11:56 PM
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) admitted Tuesday that they are short of funds to finance the additional 94 athletes that will compete in the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane, Laos.
But POC spokesperson Joey Romasanta said the athletes need not worry since POC president Jose “Peping" Cojuangco Jr. gave them the assurance of seeing action in the biennial meet from Dec. 9 to 18.
“Mr. Cojuangco assured na kahit anong mangyari lalakad yang mga atleta na yan, matutuloy sila sa SEA Games (The POC president assured that whatever happens all athletes will leave for the SEA Games)," said Romasanta, who graced the weekly PSA Forum with RP Chef of Mission Mario Tanchangco and athletics president Go Teng Kok.
The POC needs P80,000 each for the 94 athletes or P7,520,000.
And should the PSC refused to fund the additional athletes, Romasanta said, the POC will look for the money.
“Ang estimate ko nasa 75 percent pa lang ang na-raise na fund ng POC but the president said it is our commitment to the athletes kaya sinigurado niya na mapopondohan ang 94 additional athletes (An estimated 75 percent has been raised but the POC president said it is our commitment to the athletes that is why he assured them they will get the funds)," Romasanta added.
The POC, as of posting time, is in a meeting with the SEAG Federation Council to submit the country’s final list of delegation to the biennial Games. Tuesday was the deadline given by the Laos SEAG Organizing Committee.
The SEAGFC extended the deadline, originally set on Oct. 26, after the Philippines was given consideration after consecutive typhoons ravaged the country. – GMANews.TV
But POC spokesperson Joey Romasanta said the athletes need not worry since POC president Jose “Peping" Cojuangco Jr. gave them the assurance of seeing action in the biennial meet from Dec. 9 to 18.
POC spokesperson Joey Romasanta, from left, and RP Chef of Mission Mario Tanchangco listens while athletics president Go Teng Kok answers questions from reporters during Tuesday's PSA Forum in Manila. Jeff Venancio
“Mr. Cojuangco assured na kahit anong mangyari lalakad yang mga atleta na yan, matutuloy sila sa SEA Games (The POC president assured that whatever happens all athletes will leave for the SEA Games)," said Romasanta, who graced the weekly PSA Forum with RP Chef of Mission Mario Tanchangco and athletics president Go Teng Kok.
The POC needs P80,000 each for the 94 athletes or P7,520,000.
And should the PSC refused to fund the additional athletes, Romasanta said, the POC will look for the money.
“Ang estimate ko nasa 75 percent pa lang ang na-raise na fund ng POC but the president said it is our commitment to the athletes kaya sinigurado niya na mapopondohan ang 94 additional athletes (An estimated 75 percent has been raised but the POC president said it is our commitment to the athletes that is why he assured them they will get the funds)," Romasanta added.
The POC, as of posting time, is in a meeting with the SEAG Federation Council to submit the country’s final list of delegation to the biennial Games. Tuesday was the deadline given by the Laos SEAG Organizing Committee.
The SEAGFC extended the deadline, originally set on Oct. 26, after the Philippines was given consideration after consecutive typhoons ravaged the country. – GMANews.TV
