By el Amigo
MANILA — With less than two weeks before the opening of the 12th BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games, Philippine sports officials have begun the final push to prepare the country’s athletes for the November 23-28 competition in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) formally presented the country’s participation during a press conference at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, where Chairman John Patrick Gregorio and Commissioner Walter Francis Torres outlined the significance of the regional sporting event.
Joining the briefing were the respective chefs de mission of the Philippine contingents: Dr. Yushoup A. Sario of BARMM, Atty. Gregorio Q. Austria of Puerto Princesa City, Lady Margaret Manalo of General Santos City, and Michael Denton P. Aportadera of Davao City.
The delegation representatives expressed optimism about their athletes’ readiness, citing the training and preparations undertaken ahead of the international competition.
The BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games bring together athletes from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) initiative.
Aside from providing a competitive platform for athletes, the biennial gathering seeks to encourage cultural interaction, regional cooperation and the development of sports among participating communities.
The six-day competition is expected to draw thousands of athletes and officials from the four countries.
The PSC, together with the participating Philippine contingents, is working on the remaining logistical requirements to ensure the delegation’s smooth participation.
The Filipino athletes will carry the country’s hopes for a strong medal performance while representing the Philippines in an event that places equal importance on sporting achievement and regional solidarity.
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