Eighteen of 41 national sports associations (NSAs) under the Philippine Olympic Committee are set to launch their own version of the National Youth Games billed for June 2000.
In staging the multi-sport event, the group hopes to put together a delegation for the World Youth Games in various disciplines, of which two on tap this year are those of basketball, to be held in London this July, and of softball, set for Sydney, Australia next year.
The signatories are Go Teng Kok (athletics), Hector Navasero (baseball), Godofredo D. Jalasco Jr. (basketball), Ricardo Poblete (bowling), Joaquin Preysler (cycling), Reynaldo Jaylo (judo), Sultan Hamaru Kiram (pencak selat), Gen. Mario Tanchangco (sepak takraw), Severino C. Villarama (swimming), Rolando P. Rivera (softball), Eduardo Ledesma (swimming), Rufino Go (table tennis), Carlos C. Fernandez (taekwondo), Col. Salvador Andrada (tennis), Rodones A. Sicat (weighlifting), Gen. Manuel S. Ribo (wrestling), and Jimmy Ong (wushu).
Working on the inaugural Youth Games, calendared to coincide with the celebration of Philippine Independence Day (June 12) and Olympic Week, are BAP secretary general Graham C. Lim, Rivera, Preysler , Capt. Jaylo, and Sicat.
This committee will screen all participants for eligibility clearances. The NSA concerned shall provide penalties for violations, particularly on age.