Everything in place for successful staging of Asian Olympic elims

A world-class field, two political giants and proven leadership will make the 22nd Asian Olympic Boxing qualifying a tremendous success.

"Saved from minor kinks, I see no hurdles to the success of this gigantic event. Everything is in place and I look forward to a memorable and successful gathering of Asia’s leading amateur pugs," said ABAP president Manny Lopez.

Lopez, who left for Puerto Princesa City yesterday, said he’s elated with the tremendous amount of work being made by the provincial government of Palawan headed by Gov. Joel Reyes and the office of city mayor under Mayor Edward Hagedorn in ensuring the success of the country’s biggest sporting event this year.

"Both Mayor Hagedorn and Gov. Reyes have left no stones unturned in making the hosting successful. In behalf of ABAP, I express my appreciation to both political stalwarts," Lopez said.

Mayor Hagedorn and Gov. Reyes are chair of the organizing committee with Lopez as vice-chair. Vice-Gov. David Ponce de Leon and Lucilo Bayron are members of the committee.

The tournament is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Accel, Revicon, and Pacific Heights.

Other committee heads are Rodolfo Domingo (finance), Arsenic Lacson(secretariat), Mildred Rodriguez and Ma. Elena Hagedorn (foods), Rogelio Fortaleza (technical), Albert Quintos (medical), Col. Michael Garraez (security), Vice. Gov David Ponce de Leon (protocol), Charina Abading and Alfred Sy (marketing and promotions), Tito Dacuma (transportation), Yolanda Caabay and Ruben Fernandez (supplies and equipment), Eduardo Villa and Vic Licerio (infrastructure and facilities), Maribal Buñi and George Vasquez (invitation and reception), Darlene Cuaderno and Maribel Buñi (tours and sightseeing), Rod Palanca and Roly Go (communications, lights and sound), Marvin Mosteiro and Rodrigo Saucedo (accreditation) and Charina Cabading and Freddie Paterno (opening and closing ceremonies, awards).

"It is the long standing goal of the city and the province to make Puerto Princesa and Palawan as the eco-tourism, education, a sports center and a haven a of peace and progress not only nationally but also internationally, particularly in Asia," said Gov. Reyes and Mayor Hagedorn.

Aside from Kazakhstan, which won two Olympic golds and two silvers in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, other world class teams competing in the event are Uzbekistan, Thailand and China, the two Koreas and Turkmenistan plus the vastly-improved boxing teams from Qatar, Iraq, Iran, Sri Lanka, India and Chinese-Taipei.

Twenty four slots to the Athens Olympics will be contested by 31 countries which confirmed their attendance. China and Pakistan will also host qualifiers for Asian boxers to the Olympics this year.

Anwar Chowdry, longtime president of the International Amateur Boxing Federation, will personally supervise the conduct of the tournament.

Chowdry will arrive on January 11 and will personally be escorted by ABAP chair and former Manila Mayor Mel Lopez to Palawan.

Lopez noted that the ABAP hade made extra efforts to invite countries which are hit by turmoil, notably Iraq, Iran, North Korea and Afganistan.

"We’ve wanted to show the world that the Philippines though the hosting of Puerto Princesa City and Palawan will be able to promote goodwill, harmony and normalcy.

"Indeed sports know no boundaries," Lopez said.