PSC postpones activities amid 2019 nCoV threat

THE PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) temporarily postpones its events to safeguard athletes and the public against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

In a press conference held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum, PSC Chairman William Ramirez announced the sports agency’s decision to postpone its slated events such as the National Sports Summit 2020, Philippine National Games (PNG), Batang Pinoy, and Children’s Games.

“Yesterday morning, the board discussed the current situation, and we have decided that we are postponing major events of the PSC as a safety measure against the Novel Coronavirus,” said Ramirez.

Seminars and other gatherings that will have groups of people exceeding 40 are also shelved indefinitely considering the human-to-human transmission of the virus.

Ramirez also informed that the PSC also recom

mended the postponement of the scheduled holding of the 10th ASEAN Paragames this year.

“We have a board resolution advising the paralympics to possibly postpone the games,” said Ramirez.

The Board resolution states its position on the rescheduling of the multisport event with 11 participating nations due to the communicable illness. The decision, however, remains with the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC).

PPC President Mike Barredo, who was also present, announced that he

would be flying to Thailand on Friday to consult with the ASEAN Para Sports Federation to discuss the decision to be taken.

Amid the global spread of the disease, the PSC remains proactive, most especially prioritizing the welfare of the athletes and coaches who are bound to train and compete abroad approaching the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“In terms of preventive measures, we have put out information materials for our national athletes and coaches. The PSC Board will not approve any foreign trips and exposures

to China. Caution will be exercised on allowing athletes and coaches traveling to other countries for international competitions,” shared Mr. Marc Velasco, PSC’s Chief of Staff and National Training Director.

Also attending the press conference were PSC Commissioners Charles Raymond Maxey, Ramon Fernandez, and Arnold Agustin, PSC Executive Director Merlita Ibay, DED-BCSSS Atty. Guillermo B. Iroy Jr., DEDAFMS Dennis Rivera, and Philippine Olympians Association Board Member Stephen Fernandez.