FOOTBALL and athletics will make up the biggest delegates in the national contingent that’s going to the action in the 29th Southeast Asian Games.
That’s according to a final roster that the joint task force of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee submitted to the Games’ Organizing Committee in Kuala Lumpur.
There will be 20 players in the national under-23 men’s football squad and an equal number in the women’s team.
On the other hand, athletics will have 25 in the men’s division and 13 in the distaff side.
The list was finalized after the POC approved on Wednesday the entry by names of 497 athletes that will see action in the Games starting Aug. 14.
Team Philippines will also be represented by 163 coaches and 70 support group that will include medical, secretariat and 13 technical officials.
PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said they have earmarked a total of P350 million for the preparation and participation of the Philippines in the Games.
“We are working with the national sports associations on this,” said Ramirez.
He explained that P247 million will be spent for preparations, while more than P80 million is for actual participation.
The Philippines will be competing in 37 out of 38 sports disciplines.