SEA Plus Youth Games in Manila

IN the words of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. “The youth is the foundation and future of a country.”

Yes indeed. It is our young populace, who will carry the 'torch' of our forefather’s hope and aspiration from generation to generation.

And to my speculation and I’m guessing that through those words somehow gave inspiration to current Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino in conceptualising and creation of an avenue for the young and hopefuls in the region.

Tolentino’s dynamic vision for the youth, he brought his idea and presented during the South East Asian Games council meeting, coinciding with the 33rd staging of the regional multi-games hosted by Thailand few weeks ago.

The POC head called the said games as the South East Asian (SEA) Plus Youth Games for youngsters 17-under and proposed the initial staging will be hosted by Manila in 2028 and will be held biennially from them on. alternating with the regular SEA Games member nations.

The former Cavite lawmaker’s proposal gained a resounding approval from nine of 11 SEAG member heads of their respective National Olympic Committee (NOC) led by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore , Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Timor Leste.

Early on, Tolentino presented his noble gesture to Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Director General Dr. Husain AHZ Al-Musallam of Kuwait, who likewise thew his full support of the said games.

For his part, the primary purposed of the SEA Youth Games is the answer to moulding athletes in the grassroots level, make them competitive in the Asian Youth Games (AYG) level and honed their athletics capable of winning medals in the Olympic Youth Games (OYG) said Tolentino.

Tolentino’s profound hopes and selfless vision in promoting wellness and development of the youth, not only in the country, but the whole of South East Asia region, deserves a commendation recognition from the world sporting communities.

This corner, is also wishing, the POC head all best through his aspiration in providing the athletes have a better and brighter future ahead them.