PSC calls for help from LGUs

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is calling on local government units (LGUs) under more lenient quarantine status to host Filipino athletes training for the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi in November.

SEA Games chef-de-mission Ramon Fernandez yesterday told the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum that having an LGU as godfather for the athletes will not only provide a safer training venue but help defray the huge cost of training since government can’t do it alone.

“I hope LGU leaders would help our athletes. That’s what we’re hoping,” said Fernandez.

Already, the agency had spent P21 million for a three-month training camp for three sports – boxing, karate and taekwondo – alone at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

And due to the pandemic, the PSC doesn’t have enough money to cover 39 national sports associations (NSAs) participating in the biennial event.

It also ruled out its original plan of holding bubble training at the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila and PhilSports Complex in Pasig City beginning this month because both venues are still being used by the government for COVID-19 purposes.

“Makiusap tayo sa mga LGUs who can help at maghati-hati tayo. Mate-test natin ngayon kung mag u-unite tayo sa sports,” said the former PBA superstar.