Seminars highlight EAGA Games

Interaction and sporting exchange among member countries will highlight the third BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area) Friendship Games set Aug. 23-25 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

A pool of resource speakers, experts in sports psychology, nutrition, strength and conditioning, health sports management, coaching, sports for peace and recreation and tourism will be on hand to give their views and insights on sports development.

"Our focal point in reviving the BIMP-EAGA is for grassroots exposure. The Games serves as stepping stone for our aspiring athletes to reach their goals of joining the national team," said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Eric Buhain.

Among the country’s crop of athletes, the Alamara brothers – Ali, Frazier, and Norton – and Mansueto Pelenio of water polo were products of the BIMP-EAGA, last staged in Sarawak, Malaysia six years ago.

Under project director Leon Montemayor of the PSC, the meet was revived as part of the agency’s thrust of putting premium on grassroots development and at the same time helping the government revitalize the socio-economic condition of Mindanao.

"The President has instructed us to use all the necessary resources to ensure the success of the Games knowing the opportunity it will give in our campaign to bolster economic growth in Mindanao," said Buhain.

With support from the City Government of Puerto Princesa under Mayor Edward Hagedorn and Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes, the Department of Tourism, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), several non-government organization and the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) under Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Affairs Jesus Dureza, the organizers expect a trouble-free sports and business spectacle.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to Mayor Hagedorn, Presidential Assistant Jesus Dureza and the other leaders involved in this endeavor," said Montemayor.

Seventeen participating areas from four member countries vie for honors in five events – athletics, swimming (men and women), men’s football, men’s sepak takraw and women’s volleyball – in the three-day meet.

Among the participating areas are Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia (Gorontalo, Irian Jaya, Central Kalimatan, East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Maluku, North Maluku, Central Sulawesi, North Sulawesi and South-East Sulawesi), and Malaysia (Labuan, Sabah, and Serawak).