Friday, November 18, 2005
SEA Games foreign contingents arrive
CONTINGENTS from the different Southeast Asian nations competing for the SEA Games arrived in Bacolod Thursday night.
The contingents were football players, coaches and team managers from Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam.
In an interview, the players have the same wish - that the "City of Smiles" will be safe and secure for the coming games.
Indonesian Media Relations Commission chairman Graito Usodo, in an interview at the Bacolod airport, said, "We are hoping that we are secure here in Bacolod."
Despite the news on the threat of terrorism, Usodo said, "It's not new to us.
Even our country was also a victim of terrorism last month. However, I believe that the Philippine Government is working hard to protect us here."
Aside from security, Usodo is also eager to experience the warm hospitality of the people branded as the "Smiling People" in the world.
On the other hand, three football coaches from Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam still consider Thailand as the team to beat in the event.
Peter Withe of Indonesia said, "Thailand is still the team to watch. They're still the strongest team."
Vietnam's Alfred Redl, however, believes that the Philippine is also set to showcase their skills in football games.
But Avramovic of Singapore said, "Although, Thailand is strong, Singapore is also well-prepared for the tournament."
Meanwhile, Governor Joseph Marañon belied reports Thursday that he has any hand in the issue involving the gate charges bruhaha for the coming meet, particularly at the Panaad Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan where the football events will be competed.
He said Pana-ad is free for Bacolod Sea Games Organizing Committee (BaSoc) to use.
If BaSoc will charge the spectators, then the province has nothing to do with that, he said. "Asked BaSoc not me on this matter."
Earlier, BaSoc secretary-general Eric Loretizo clarified that gate charges are meant to limit spectators to see games in various venues.
Else, all sports venues will suffer security risks if the number of spectators are not controlled.
Bacolod Representative Monico Puentevella, meanwhile, refused to comment on the issue.
In a press conference held at the Business Inn yesterday, Puentevella said, "They've already decided the matter. No more revision now."
Rates for the football events are as follows: Pana-ad, eliminations and quarter finals, the public will be charged P20 for the general patronage (GP), P35 for the lower bleachers (LB) and P75 for special box (SP).
On semi-finals, GP - P40, LB - P60 and PSB - P100. In the finals, GP - P50, LB - P75 and SB - 150. For season passes, GP - P175, LB - P300 and SB - P600.
Games scheduled to be competed at the Paglaum Sports Complex, eliminations and quarterfinals will have the following rates: GP - P20, LB - P35 and SB - P75.
No semi-finals and finals will be held at Paglaum but season passes be GP - 100, LB - P175 and SB - P350.
The football events will run earlier than the other Seag competitions scheduled to be competed here because of the number of teams that will compete in the event.
(November 18, 2005 issue)
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