The Philippines is expecting a grand and festive atmosphere when it hosts the inaugural Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games in 2027 as officials anticipate a strong turnout from participating nations and their accompanying families.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the country is optimistic that more nations will confirm their participation after the first SEA Plus Youth Games Executive Commission Meeting held Thursday at Solaire Hotel and Casino in Parañaque City.

“As we said, we’re praying every country in the region will be able to join next year. Some countries weren’t present but will join and some representatives were present but will not compete,” Tolentino said.

“We’re positive some will join. This will be a very, very good start and exciting for the country, for the youth.”

Aside from the 11 Southeast Asian nations, countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, Chinese Taipei, Bahrain, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Saudi Arabia were present during the Executive Commission Meeting for the tournament scheduled from 2 to 14 December 2027.

Around 23 sports will be contested, with organizers expecting a large delegation as many athletes are likely to travel with at least one parent or guardian.

Tolentino acknowledged that coordinating the arrival of young athletes and their companions will be one of the organizers’ biggest challenges.

“We do have a challenge regarding immigration, visas and the like — different countries have different rules regarding travel with guardians, parents, coaches, and so on. We will coordinate with those countries, as well as with our Department of Foreign Affairs and the Local Organizing Committee’s immigration team to ensure their arrival goes smoothly,” he said.

“That’s why I mentioned that, in terms of tourism, this will definitely provide a huge boost. If a child is competing, the parents will naturally tag along, right? It’s a ‘plus factor’ — a package deal. It’s fantastic. We are incredibly excited.”

Also present during the meeting were Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, POC secretary general Wharton Chan, Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines president Marcus Manalo and Karate Pilipinas president Richard Lim.

Meanwhile, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the agency has already aligned its grassroots development program with the SEA Plus Youth Games by adjusting the age bracket of the Batang Pinoy.

“That is also one very important reason why we adjusted Batang Pinoy to 8-15. Because the SEA Plus YG is an under-16 competition, we have a plan for the Batang Pinoy players to be the candidates moving forward,” Gregorio said.

“We have a roadmap from the SEA Plus YG to the Asian Youth Games and the Youth Olympic Games. We have a roadmap and a plan together with Palarong Pambansa. We are also implementing it in Batang Pinoy.”