PH names 30 reps to SEA Games' 1st winter sports games

THE COUNTRY'S representatives to the first edition of the winter sports events at the SEA Games were formally introduced in a press conference at the SM Megamall Skating Rink on Thursday.

Michael Martinez, the first Southeast Asian Winter Olympian, headlines the 30man crew that will participate in three events on ice in the biennial meet from Aug. 19-31 in Kuala Lumpur.

Joining Martinez in the figure skating team are former national junior champion Samantha Cabiles, former national senior champion Alisson Perticheto, and SEA Figure Skating Challenge champion Jules Alpe.

Alpe, who was the lone figure skater present in the formal introduction, showed a glimpse of what he will bring to the table in the Malaysian capital with a special performance in front of the crowd at the end of the program.

On the other hand, Kath Magno, the first Filipino to compete and win in an international speed skating contest, is a heavy favorite to win the 500-meter and 1000-meter speed skating races in the SEA Games. She won them in the Tri-Series Southeast Asia Cup last year.

Completing the list is the national ice hockey team, known as Team Pilipinas.

Six of its members, veteran Francois Gautier and young guns Jorell Crisostomo, LR Lancero, BJ Imperial, Miguel Relampagos, Miguel Serrano, and Julian Santiago, were introduced during the event.