OCA gives hosts thumbs-up sign

MANILA, Philippines — Olympic Council of Asia vice president Wei Jizhong yesterday lauded the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games even as he stressed that the Philippines has the competence to put up bigger sporting competitions in the future.

He also apologized for the inconvenience that displeased some of the early athletes and delegates due to organizational snags in the run-up to the SEAG.

“The Philippines is capable to organize bigger-scale Games,” said Wei in a press briefing at the World Trade Center yesterday where he also took the opportunity to say sorry to those inconvenienced by the glitches that marred the early hosting of the event.

The next big multi-sport event is the Asian Games, which China will host in 2022 in Hangzhou with Nagoya, Japan staging the next quadrennial games in 2026.

“I apologize for the inconvenience that happened in the beginning of the event,” said the top OCA official.

He also said he was impressed with the Philippine Arena (where the opening of the Games was held), describing it as “a unique arena in the world.”

“We witnessed the enthusiasm of all athletes and showed the excellent tradition of the SEA Games,” he said.

Wei also downplayed the crippling traffic in the metropolis, saying it isn’t much of a problem and said the critical media can give the interpretation on the organization and conduct of the Games but should be based on real issues.

“For the media people, you can give their interpretation but the reality should be there,” said Wei, who also took notice of the Filipinos’ hospitality, describing the Games’ volunteers as “special.”