Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick ‘Patò’ Gregorio arrived at noon in Thailand on Monday but immediately motored to Pattaya to show his support to the men’s handball team that played Vietnam at the Indoor Athletics Stadium Pattaya.
Asked about the country’s chances in the games that kick off with the opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium in the capital, he said he’s hoping for a top four finish in the medal tally.
The Philippines hauled 58 golds, 86 silvers and 116 bronze medals for a fifth-place finish behind Vietnam (136-105-114), Thailand (108-96-108), Indonesia (87-80-109) and Cambodia (81-74-127).
‘For me, it’s about finishing better than the last SEA Games,’ Gregorio said. ‘But it’s difficult to set targets because the other countries have also set their own goals-so for me, it’s about the rankings at the end of the day.’
Gregorio sees a strong Team Philippines, but is also glad that that the 1,600-strong delegation is also composed of some of the future stars that would represent the country in major competitions for years to come.
‘But as I’ve said, right from the start when we sent a very, very good delegation, we know exposure is very important, aside from the medal haul-‘let’s prepare for the SEA Games, as we prepare for the Asian Games and as we prepare for the Los Angeles Olympics,” he said. ‘That’s what’s important.in sports, sometimes, it’s the opportunity to compete first.’
Gregorio is looking forward to Tuesday’s opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium, where the Philippine team will be clad with uniforms designed by Avel Bacudio,’ he said.