PNoy National Games set in Negros

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Sports Commission and the province of Negros Occidental will play host to the first PNoy National Games from May 23 to 29.

Jolly Gomez, PSC commissioner and head of the organizing committee, said the PSC will spend from P15 million to P20 million for the weeklong event.

So far, 23 sports are in the calendar. They are archery, athletics, bowling, dragon boat, equestrian, fencing, football, gymnastics, judo, karate, muay, pencak silat, sailing, sepak takraw, softball, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, windsurfing, wushu, wrestling and weightlifting.

Gomez said the event is open to everyone. It will also serve as a qualifying for the 26th Southeast Asian Games scheduled in Indonesia in November.

The PSC will shoulder the plane fare, board and lodging, and meals of the national players from Manila. It expects to draw 3,500 athletes, 450 coaches and 550 officials.

Chairman Richie Garcia of the PSC said members of the national team will have to prove themselves against the hidden talents from the different regions.

He said those who can beat the members of the national team, especially in measurable sports, will be given a chance to train under the PSC for possible inclusion to the SEA Games delegation.

 “If you want to go to the SEA Games, you have to prove it here,” said Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella.

The president of the Philippine weightlifting association said Negros Occidental will be the overall host, with different events set in the cities of Talisay, Silay, Bago and Bacolod.

Puentevella added that he will try to convince the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines to take part in the event which they hope to become an annual event.

Gomez, who will meet with the various national sports associations next week, said the PSC is knocking on the doors of potential sponsors like Smart, Coca-Cola, Powerade, Philippine Online and an apparel firm.

“We hope that next year, the other provinces will line up to host this event. This is a fantastic opportunity for these provinces because they stand to gain more than what they will give out,” he added.