Friday, June 22, 2007 Milo bares new rules By Marian C. Baring Sun.Star Staff Reporter
CHANGES will be established for this year’s staging of the Milo Little Olympics, a multi-event meet held in different venues in Cebu, to avoid the snafus that marred last year’s event.
After last year’s uproar in the swimming event the organizers are making a definitive ruling for athletes who have competed in international events.
“We made it crystal clear now that we will no longer allow athletes, who have competed in any international competition, to take part in any event in the Milo Olympics,” said head organizer Ricky Ballesteros.
Before this ruling was modified, their rulebook stipulated that an athlete could not compete if he/she has represented the country in an international meet and if their participation is funded by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Those who receive monthly honoraria from the PSC for being members of the training pool or of the RP team were also barred.
Simplified
Last year, bemedalled swimmer Loren Dale Echavez, who collared six gold medals—two in record-breaking fashion—was placed under the microscope after questions crop up on her eligibility as she has already competed in the International Children’s Games. The trip was, however, not funded by the PSC, clearing Echavez from any possible complaints.
“To avoid future debates, we simplified the rule and we will just simply deny entry of anyone, who have competed in any international competitions, including the Arafura Games,” said Ballesteros.
Meanwhile, Milo also canceled an old ruling on residency. “Before, you could only compete in Milo for a maximum of four years. We waived that and everyone can join as much as he can,” Ballesteros added.
They however remain strict with the age requirement. “A 13-year-old elementary student can play in the high school level, but a 13-year-old high school student can not play in the elementary level,” Ballesteros said.
The selection of the Most Outstanding Athlete (MOA), on the other hand, will become more stringent this year.
Before, the head of the technical committee per event were the ones who will choose the MOA, given to athletes who have impressive performances.
MOA guidelines
“This time, the MOA will only come from the champion team. The coaches will be the ones who will recommend to the technical committee, who in turn evaluates these recommendations,” Ballesteros said.
Last year, Don Bosco College, the champion in the elementary division, questioned why the MOA came from the team it defeated in the finals.
These changes were discussed during the meeting of all organizers in Manila last week.
Milo Little Olympics Cebu, which will be on its 13th year, has been adopted as a model for the other city-hosts as its record for most number of participants and spectators has not been matched by other cities.
Last year, the meet attracted 200 schools from all over Visayas, competing in 12 events. This year, Ballesteros is out to break his own record as he expects the number of schools to swell.
“There are already schools who showed interest in joining,” Ballesteros added. The Milo Little Olympics hits town in September.
