Gov’t must help push SEA Games changes – Chiz

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero yesterday said the Philippine Sports Commission has done its part in cushioning the effects of a possible medals backlash in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.

But the youthful lawmaker reiterated that government should also contribute in efforts to institutionalize changes in the biennial Games that would adapt to modern times.

Escudero said the PSC is on the right track in assisting the Philippine Olympic Committee in pushing for reforms, including changes in the SEA Games Charter, but added that it is only half of the job if government is serious in boosting the Filipino athletes’ chances at winning another Olympic medal.

The recent visit of Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Fahad Al-Sabah somehow boosted the Philippines’ chances of getting enough support from other SEA Games countries in pushing for reforms. But the SEA Games, according to Escudero, are at the bottom of sporting events’ totem pole.

Escudero said the PSC’s task is to look for other avenues of training to strengthen the Filipino athletes’ bid for slots in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The absence of several Olympic sports in the Myanmar joust has put the Philippines’ SEA Games campaign in peril.