The Philippines is looking to make a huge statement when it hosts the 2019 Southeast Asian Games come November of 2019.
This is the country’s fourth time hosting the regional meet, having last done so back in 2005. However, it will greatly differ from the last three times the country hosted the competition, as Manila will not be the primary location of the Games. Instead, it will be in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
The construction of the new stadium in Capas is currently underway and will play host to compulsory events Athletics and Aquatics, and as well as other events.
“Of course the mandatory sport will be played there. We have shooting, and other 10 sports in Clark, mainly martial arts sports, baseball and softball, there’s also archery,” SEA Games Organizing Committee Executive Director Tats Suzara.
Moreover, the delegates of each country will have their own villas, which will also serve as the office for the visitors.
On the other hand, the secondary hub will be in Subic. It will host outdoor sports like the triathlon, duathlon, sailing, and windsurfing.
Finally, the popular sports in the country will be played in Manila.
“I think because basketball will have more events that’s why they chose SM MOA Arena and Cuneta Astrodome as their backup. Of course, I’m happy also that volleyball, especially women’s volleyball, will be in Smart Araneta Coliseum,” added Suzara. “Football they said, at the moment, the number one is still the Rizal Memorial but they have options to go outside of Metro Manila.”
Boxing and Gymnastics are proposed to be held at the SMX Convention Center. The Manila Polo Club will host the Polo and Equestrian events, while Billiards and Bowling will be played at the Makati Cinema Square and Star Mall respectively.
The launch of the theme, mascot, and slogan will be in July while the year-long countdown to the opening of the Games will be on November 30, 2018.
According to current Asian Games president Erick Thohir, the whole region is hoping that the Philippines will also make a bid for the 2030 Asian Games so as not to waste the facilities being built for the regional meet.
“I think the future of the Southeast Asian Games is that we have to be one, That is why we are open to support the Philippines for the 2030 Asian Games,” Thohir expressed.
“With all the infrastructure you built for the SEA Games, I think it will be a waste if you don’t have other big events.”
