By Peter Atencio
Long jumper Janry Ubas, who won one of the four gold medals bagged by the athletics’ team in the recent 32nd Southeast Asian Games, will lead a 16-man delegation leaving for the Taiwan Open on Thursday.
Ubas, who will compete in the men’s long jump and pole vault, is preparing for the Asian championships this July in Pattaya, Thailand.
Former gold medalist Clinton Bautista, who is listed in the 110-meter hurdles, is also part of the team.
Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association secretary general Edward Kho also confirmed the inclusion of Leonard Grospe (high jump) and Edwin Giron, who will take part in the 800-meter and 1500-meter runs.
Also competing are Sonny Wagdos (5000 meter run and 10,000 meter run), John Lera (long jump), Edgar Carado (800 meter and 1500 meter run), Hokett de los Santos (pole vault), Frederick Ramirez (400-meter run) and Abcde Agamanos (triple jump).
Also listed are Maureen Schrijvers (400-meters) and Lianne Pama (100-meters and 200 meters).
Sean Guevarra will be among the coaches in Taiwan, along with Dario Da Rosas, John Lozada and Emerson Obiena.
Kho said they made their selection three weeks before the 32nd SEA Games got under way in Cambodia.
He said athletes who did not make the cut to the SEA Games were considered. Those who were projected to earn at least a silver in the SEA Games were also included.
Athletes whose performances have been on an uptrend were also added to the team.