Garcia: Let’s do ‘cha-cha’

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia yesterday called on members of the Southeast Asian Games Federation to do the “Cha-Cha.”

“We can call for a charter change in the SEA Games. That’s the legal way,” said Garcia amid the country’s strong objection to the calendar of events for the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar in December.

The hosts have included close to 60 events favoring their athletes and have stricken Olympic sports like gymnastics and lawn tennis off the calendar as well.

The Philippines is strongly opposing the move and because it’s too late to make changes, officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee can only think of the future.

Jose Cojuangco, POC president, said if the practice continues, the Philippines may end up boycotting the SEA Games in the future.

“There’s no point in competing. Nawawala na ang kabuluhan ng sports,” said Cojuangco, adding that host countries should not abuse the right to include certain sports just to assure a strong finish.

Garcia said this is why the Philippines should push for a charter change in the SEA Games, and see to it that Olympic sports remain in the calendar of events.

Garcia also said there should be a limit on traditional and indigenous sports or that a separate medal tally is made for these events so it won’t have any effect on the overall race.

Cojuangco and Garcia recently sat down with Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Fahad Al-Sabah, and the Royal visitor said he was surprised with the way Myanmar is running the show.

“The Sheikh told us to campaign for a change in the SEA Games charter. We should make them realize na hindi tama ito (this is not right). We should put an end to this practice by defining rules.