PSC opens RMSC, Philsports

The country’s major sports facilities, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) and Philsports Complex, are now open to accommodate athletes preparing for the 31st Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Sports commissioner Ramon Fernandez said they have decided to open the RMSC and Philsports so that athletes can now start their training for the biennial meet that is set to be held from 12 to 23 May in Hanoi.

The athletes, however, can use the facilities under bubble format and have to observe minimum health and safety protocols plotted by the PSC Medical and Scientific Athlete Services.

“We’ll continue regardless of whoever will be accommodated inside,” Fernandez, also the country’s chief of mission to the SEA Games.

Fernandez said athletes from wushu will start its training camp at RMSC any time soon while those from judo and swimming have already expressed their interests to use the facilities.

Also being invited to use the facilities are athletes from weightlifting, arnis, tennis and athletics.

Before entering the facilities, athletes must undergo 14-day quarantine and present a negative RT-PCR test.

National sports associations must also cover the food of their respective athletes while the PSC will provide board and lodging in its dormitories.

Fernandez, who is set to sit down with Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino to discuss the SEA Games budget, said they will make sure that the training venues will be away from the medical facilities used to house Covid-19 patients during the height of the pandemic.

“The facilities will be far from the Covid-infected areas,” Fernandez said.

“The federations who will be sending their athletes will determine which facilities will be available.”