The official sendoff rites for the 500-strong Philippine team to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou takes place today at the Philippine International Convention Center with the Philippine Sports Commission leading the way.
The 11 a.m. event will have as guest speaker Executive Secretary Luis Bersamin, according to PSC chairperson Richard "Dickie" Bachmann.
"Our athletes are the heart and soul of the country's campaign in Hangzhou, both in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games," chairman Bachmann said.
The opening ceremony of the Asian Games will be held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center on 23 September.
A total of 481 events in 61 disciplines are going to be disputed.
Team Philippines previously sent 271 athletes to the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta/Palembang in 2018 and brought home four golds, two silvers and 15 bronzes for 19th place.
Golfer Yuka Saso (women's individual and team events), weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (53kg) and skateboarder Margielyn Didal were the delegation's top performers.
"With the all-out support from our national government through the PSC, I'm positive that our athletes will deliver," added the sports agency chief, who is set to be joined by PSC Commissioner Bong Coo, Commissioner Fritz Gaston, Commissioner Edward Hayco, and Commissioner Walter Torres in the event.
Sports officials from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Paralympic Committee, the different National Sports Associations and Team Philippines' Chef de Mission Richard Gomez are also expected to attend the sendoff rites.
