NSAs told to send only the best for SEAG

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) yesterday wants national sports associations to take responsibility for the performance of their athletes in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Singapore where the Philippines is hoping to rebound from its worst finish two years ago.

SEA Games Chief of Mission Julian Camacho said the POC as well as the Philippine Sports Commission which funds the training and trips of the athletes, have been at the receiving end of criticism from various sectors including Congress whose members often gripe when athletes perform badly.

He said POC and PSC officials don’t choose the athletes but they absorb most of the blame.

“We in the POC don’t choose the athletes who will compete abroad and it is the NSA’s job to handle that,” said Camacho.

“So, we warned NSA leaders that they have to be responsible with their selections and should they fail and we get summoned in the Senate or Congress, we will bring them along.”

Camacho noted that in the past, NSA officials disappear following a poor performance in international competitions and they are left to face the critics.

Camacho said he has learned the athletes preparing for the SEA Games which will be held June 5-16, have been training hard.

“The athletes are right in the thick of training,” he said after attending a meeting with key Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) officials yesterday.

Camacho said the final roster is close to being completed and 409 athletes and 118 officials have been approved for inclusion.

There will be 36 sport disciplines to be contested in Singapore with 402 gold medals up for grabs.

The Philippines placed seventh in the 2013 Myanmar Games and officials have vowed to finish fourth.

As this developed, Camacho revealed that all national sports association leaders have pledged their support to the POC’s cause.

The final list of athletes and officials, however, could be known on or before the April1 deadline set by Singapore officials.