POC assures no 'tourist' in SEA Games-bound PHL team

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) said the 2011 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Indonesia won't be another junket to some sports officials since each will be assigned a task during the 11-day event in Palembang province. POC deputy secretary general Mark Joseph assured that no 'tourist' will join the Philippine delegation with the team managers not only acting as figureheads but will also work hand-in-hand with the chief of mission. "The aim of the Philippine team is success and not the formation of the largest delegation possible," said Joseph. "Each sport has a team manager that works daily for the team's welfare and is a conduit to the working group. Wala na 'yung dating sistema na 'turista,'" said Joseph in a text message. The POC met with different national sports associations (NSAs) Thursday afternoon together with chief of mission Dr. Sim Chi Tat and newly-appointed deputies Julian Camacho and Romeo Magat where they discussed preparations for the SEA Games. Joseph added that the NSAs can set their own criteria for the selection of candidates subject to the approval of the POC. The swimming association president also said the POC will command discipline to athletes and coaches as they will be asked to sign a code of conduct and will be subjected to the POC code of ethics. Joseph also said that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will also allow NSAs to be funded for their SEA Games preparations aside from the initial budget the PSC had approved earlier this year. – Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News