Manila team may miss stint in Ohio tournament

The finest 15-under athletes from the country’s premier city may miss fulfilling every child athlete’s dream of donning the national colors in the most prestigious global sports gathering for the youth this year.

Team MayniLA Philippines, set to leave today for Cleveland, Ohio to see action in the 2004 International Children’s Games (ICG) July 29 -Aug. 2, has yet to be granted entry visas by the US embassy.

But not even the woes of securing visas could dampen the spirit of the big city bets, who are raring to go into action and strut their wares in an all-out bid to showcase the athletic prowess of the city’s youth in the international sporting arena.

"The team is in high spirits, all saddled up and raring to give honor and prestige for flag and country," said Arnold "Ali" Atienza, chief of the Manila Sports Council (MASCO) and also the delegation’s city representative.

"We are not losing hope and Manila sports will remain in focus," Atienza added.

Composed of outstanding performers in the recent 3rd Manila Youth Games (MY Games), the team has prepared hard and is ready to compete against the world’s best children-athletes in the ICG, the largest multi-sport competition for the youth recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"The athletes are high in morale and are upbeat despite the imminent setback. 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, for other meets," said Atienza.

The "lean but mean" delegation is bannered by third MY Games eight-gold medal winner Emerlyn Roselle Illescas in athletics, together with Kim Christianna Pomeda and John Andrew Patricio, with Romeo Millari as coach.

Also expected to give strong performances are swimming’s Corrina Denise Rosete, Kristine Joy Cedeno, Tessa Paula Alcantara, Alethea Alcantara, Chrizel Naziz Lagunday, Carmen Marie Quilala, Ryan Paolo Arabejo, Malco Alron Dacanay, John Bryle Zapanta, Mathew Tano, and Ali Frigillana, with Remberto Lozada and Ronnie Rolle as coach and assistant coach, respectively.