Sports Ministers from 10 ASEAN member-countries and Japan gather in Manila today, as the 5th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS-5) and other Related Meetings kicks off its series of gatherings spread across a five-day schedule.
The event, led by the ASEAN Secretariat on Education, Youth and Sports, is hosted by the Philippine Sports Commission.
PSC Chairman William Ramirez, who chairs the AMMS-5 from this year to 2020 said: “This is another chance to connect with our neighbors and together strengthen the foothold of sports in the everyday lives of our people.”
The sports chief hopes to further the country’s agenda in prioritizing “sports for all” with the members of the ASEAN.
Sar Sokha of Cambodia; Phouvanh Vongsouthi of Lao PDR; Tan Wei Ming of Singapore; Ahmad Shapawi Bin Ismail of Malaysia; Aminuddin Ihsan Pehn Dato HJ Abidin of Brunei-Darussalam; Mya Than Htike of Myanmar; Kumekawa Hirokazu, Japan; Le Thi Hoang Yen of Vietnam; and Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn of Thailand, lead their respective delegations in this important policy-setting event.
Pressing areas of discussions include the implementation of the regional projects and activities based on the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports for 2016-2020, the ASEAN bid for the FIFA World Cup, establishment of the eSports SEA Foundation, and the discussion of the decisions from the previous AMMS and SOMS meetings among others. The results of the initial assessments for the ASEAN meetings plus Japan will also be given focus.
In an initial meet-up with ASEAN Secretariat Representatives, Chandra Putra and Larasati Indrawagita, officials from the Education, Youth and Sports Division in June this year, preparations for this conclave was initiated, picking-up from issues and initiatives raised in the edition held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
Activities and conversations commence with the SOMS-9 on Monday.
Chairman Ramirez leads proceedings on Tuesday, October 8 which sees the first ever holding of the ASEAN plus Japan Meeting on Women and Sports. The same day also has the 2nd ASEAN Plus Japan SOMS in the afternoon.
The 2nd ASEAN Plus Japan Ministerial Meeting on Sports happens on October 9.
Delegates from UNESCO, SEARADO, FIFA, UN Women, ASEAN Chess Federation, ASEAN Para Sports Federation, ASEAN Football Federation, and Right to Play Thailand Foundation will also participate.