Phl ready for Asiad Centennial Festival

MANILA, Philippines - In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, a couple of countries expressed their willingness to take over as host of this month’s Asian Games Centennial Festival.

But the Philippines, for being the host of the inaugural Far Eastern Championship Games (now known as the Asian Games) in 1913, kept the privilege.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco said all is set for the two-day affair to be graced by representatives of all 45 member countries of the Olympic Council of Asia.

The event was originally set last November in the island paradise of Boracay. But due to Typhoon Yolanda, which claimed the lives of over 6,000, it had to be postponed.

Instead, it will take place in Manila with the 64th OCA Executive Board meeting at Sofitel Hotel on Jan. 17 and the 32nd OCA General Assembly at the Philippine International Convention Center on Jan. 18.

Jose Romasanta, POC first vice president, said some delegates will start arriving in Manila on Jan. 10, and the main bulk on Jan. 16.

Cojuangco said the decision to “tone down” the celebration because of Typhoon Yolanda was made by the OCA and the POC.

The POC president also said the bulk of the expenses, including airfare and board and lodging for the foreign delegates, will be shouldered by the OCA.