ABOUT 100 athletes are slated to arrive in the city to continue their training here for the coming Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam this November, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong revealed on Tuesday.
According to Magalong, the athletes will be training in Baguio using the city’s facilities and accommodations by request of Ramon Fernandez, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner
While the athletes are expected to train together, Magalong assured that health and safety protocols will be observed during the three- to four-month period of “bubble training.”
Magalong said that some 40 athletes, plus their trainers and coaches, will be using the Athletic Bowl for its track and field, as the Teachers’ Camp facility track is dilapidated and needs rehabilitation before it can be used.
Renato Unso, training director of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), said that Baguio was chosen as a venue due to accessibility of both the city and facilities and because the city has a similar climate to Hanoi in Vietnam, the venue for the coming games.
In addition to track and field, some 40 sports are expected to be part of the coming Asian Games.
Magalong also added that athletes and trainers for boxing, muay thai, and three-man team basketball are also slated to train here in the city.
However, the athletes are still negotiating for free lodging and board in the city, with the endorsement of Magalong.
The mayor has also said that the national athletes will be provided use of the city’s training facilities free of charge where possible.
