Saturday, October 20, 2007 Negrense judoka is SEA Games flag bearer
BINALBAGAN, Negros Occidental native John Baylon, who is gunning for an unprecedented eighth judo gold medal this December during the 24th edition of the biennial Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Nachon Ratchisima, Thailand, has been named to be the RP contingent's official flag bearer.
According to Negrense commissioner Ritchie Garcia of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) who is co-chairman of the SEA Games task force, Baylon got the post by acclamation.
"The body felt that he stands out against the other contenders because of his impressive showing in the SEA Games," Garcia told newsmen in Manila.
Baylon bested six other illustrious Filipino athletes who were also considered for the honor of carrying the nation's colors during Wednesday's executive board meeting of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headed by Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.
"Baylon's achievement in judo in the SEA Games is a solid justification for him to be named as the Philippines' flag bearer in the 24th SEA Games this December," Cojuangco was quoted as saying.
Baylon is one of several Negrense standouts expected to be named to the final list of national athletes who will compose the RP contingent to the December 5-15 24th SEA Games competitions. The others are Jeff Chan (basketball); Joebert Delicano, Sheena Atilano and Julius Sermona (athletics); Arneil Ferrera (archery); Joan Tipon and Mitchell Martinez (boxing); and Rovyl Verayo and Parley Tupas (beach volleyball).
