Ang Team Mayni-LA-Philippines, na nakatakda sanang umalis ngayon patungo sa Cleveland, Ohio para sa 2004 International Child-ren’s Games (ICG) na magsi-simula sa July 29 hanggang August 12 ay hindi pa nabibigyan ng entry visa ng US Embassy.
Gayunpaman hindi pa rin nawawalan ng pag-asa ang mga bata, na maipamalas ang kanilang kakayahan sa international sporting arena.
"The team is in high spirits, all saddled up and raring to give honor ang prestige for flag and country," ani Arnold ‘Ali’ Atienza, Chief ng Manila Sports Council (MASCO) at City Representative ng delegasyon.
"We are not losing hope and Manila sports will remain in focus. We will still provide international exposure for these deserving athletes as we have already set our sights on other tough competitions abroad," dagdag ni Atienza.
Ang koponan na binubuo ng mga outstanding performers sa katatapos na Manila Youth Games ay puspusan na nagsanay at handa ng lumaban kontra sa mga pinakama-huhusay na children-athletes sa ICG, ang pinakamalaking multi-sport competition para sa mga kabataan na kinikilala ng International Olympic Com-mittee.
"The athletes are high in morale and are upbeat despite the imminent set back. I am optimistic that our wards will do good in other international events. As I have said before, Filipino athletes have got what it takes and the important thing for us now is to get ready, physically and mentally, ofr other meets," ani pa ni Atienza.