As a sign of friendship and goodwill, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) granted the request of Timor Leste to train in the country in the final stretch of its preparation for the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez yesterday said they would provide accommodation and use of sports facilities to the 48-man Timor Leste squad that is preparing for the prestigious biennial meet.
Timor Leste, a small country that gained independence in 2002 and joined the SEA Games Federation Council in 2003, will be sending 48 athletes and coaches who will participate in 10 sports; taekwondo, karatedo, shooting, pencak silat, boxing, weightlifting, cycling, swimming and beach volleyball.
They are serious in their preparation as their best finish in the past eight editions of the Games was in the 27th edition in Naypyitaw in 2013, where they emerged with two gold, three silver and five bronze medals.
Their gold medals came from kempo, a traditional martial arts game, while clinching bronze medals in taekwondo and boxing.
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Ramirez said they would provide accommodation to Timor Leste athletes, who are expected to arrive seven to 10 days before the prestigious biennial meet opens on 30 November at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Aside from that, the PSC also made available all the government sports facilities in conjunction with various national sports associations.
“We are happy to support our brothers from Timor Leste to enhance their chances of winning a medal,” said Ramirez, who also serves as chief of mission of Team Philippines.
“Although they are the smallest delegation, we appreciate their enthusiasm and dedication to sports excellence.”
On the contrary, the Philippines will be deploying around 1,115 athletes in a bid to corner the overall title.
Ramirez said they have granted the requests of national sports associations as far as the training and preparation are concerned.
“Our athletes are equipped with the best training and preparation they could get,” said Ramirez, who was also the chief of mission when the country won the overall title in 2005.
“We want to duplicate the ‘Miracle in Manila’ so we’re doing everything to prepare the athletes.”
