Garcia says Team Phl to vie for SEAG Top 3

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia yesterday expressed confidence that the Phl delegation to the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia will rise above adversity and fight for a Top 3 spot in the biennial meet.

Speaking before the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Ave., Garcia said he has faith in the Filipino athletes’ ability to not let obstacles like squabbles within their sports associations hamper their SEAG campaign.

“All of these problems will be left behind. When we reach Indonesia we’ll be one,” said the mild-manner sports official in a show of confidence to the entire Filipino contingent expected to reach the 600-plus mark during actual competitions from Nov. 12 to 22.

“I guarantee that when we leave for Indonesia, there won’t be a problem for the Philippine delegation representing us to the SEA Games.”

According to Garcia, bickering among officials and the different National Sports Association (NSA) heads are all part and parcel of the daily grind of sports, be it local or international.

“Internal problems within the NSAs can’t be avoided. It’s all part of the history of sports,” said the PSC honcho, a former national golfer himself.

He even cited the sad experience Filipino athletes had to endure during the last edition of the SEA Games when the Phl contingent went to Laos in two different groups – one identified with the PSC and the other with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

“Definitely, the setup in Laos was the worst ever. I’ve never experienced going to the SEA Games with two different groups, with two different sets of uniforms. And so I promise it will never happen again, not in our watch, and hopefully, not in the future,” he added in the same forum presented by Smart, Pagcor, Outlast Battery, and Shakey’s.

But despite all the troubles in 2009, the Filipinos “overachieved” by finishing a fighting fifth after bagging a total of 38 gold medals.

Garcia believes Team Philippines couldn’t have endured any unpleasant condition worst than Laos.

“That’s why I’m confident we’ll do better,” said the PSC chairman.

“Our stand is we will have to improve our performance in Laos. I’m saying second or third in particular, but I’m very confident that we will be shooting for the Top 3.”