Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 10th ASEAN Para Games has been officially cancelled.
ASEAN Para Sports Federation president Osoth Bhavilai himself made the announcement, Monday afternoon.
This, after the Philippine Sports Commission withdrew the financial support to keep the Games going last week.
“In light of the decision of the Philippine Sports Commission from the Republic of the Philippines, I like to regretfully state that the 10th ASEAN Para Games would be cancelled officially.
“Nevertheless, we at the APSF would like to thank the Philippines for all efforts taken prior to the games. We appreciate why such a decision was needed to be made,” his statement read.
Last April 29, the PSC decided to finally withdraw further financial support from the twice-postponed 10th ASEAN Paragames.
The PSC will still honor its previous commitments with the APG organizing committee to cover initial operations expenses.
“We heed the call of the national government to cut expenses as we reroute the majority of our resources to fighting the pandemic, but we also stand by our commitment to keep supporting members of the national team,” explained PSC chairman Butch Ramirez.
Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo understands wholeheartedly the decision, saying, “While this is disheartening news for our local and ASEAN para-athletes who have trained and sacrificed so much to represent their respective countries, their health, and safety, as well as their coaches, members of their team, and families, remain our top priority.
“We understand that this is a global concern and this is a very difficult decision to do.”
The APG was first scheduled to take place last January but was pushed to March. Due to the pandemic, it was later moved to October later this year.
For their part, the APSF will now be taking further steps to hold a virtual meeting with its stakeholders on the necessary steps of the regional governing body moving forward.
