SUBIC BAY - The Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) Asia, an award-giving body in Asia that focuses on recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the Asian sports industry, has named the Philippine Southeast Asia Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) as the Best Southeast Asian Games Organizer and at the same time also awarded Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority as one of the Best Sports Tourism Destination Campaign of the Year in Asia.
That is why it is no surprise that Subic Bay Freeport was chosen as one of the official venue of the SEA Games, a biennial multi-sport event involving 11 countries in Southeast Asia.
There were a total of 530 events from 56 sports, and 17 of which were held here in Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Out of the record-breaking 387 medals won by the Philippines, 149 were Gold Medals and 24 of which were won here in Subic Bay Freeport including the very first gold medal which was won by none other than our very own triathlete from Olongapo, John “Rambo” Chicano that started a sweep of all four individual multi-sport events with four golds and four silvers on the opening day.
As for the sailing competition, Filipinos Emerson Villena and Troy Tayong got the first ever gold medal for the Philippines in the history of the SEA Games for the men's international 470 event, while Coleen Jem Ferrer got Silver on the Women’s International 420 and Brandhon Kyrielle Aquino got Bronze on the Men’s International 420.
The Philippine Sailing Team also dominated the Far East 28R fleet and match racing earning two more Golds. On the windsurfing competition, two-time world champion Gaylord Coveta and Yancy Kaibigan bagged two of the three golds at stakes while Filipina Charizzanne Jewel Napa got bronze.
We wish to congratulate all the athletes, organisers, volunteers and everyone involved in making this event an outstanding success. For the first time in 14 years, the Philippines emerged as the overall champion of the Southeast Asian Games.
“It is the hope of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee that the games be an opportunity to highlight not just the growing passion, talent and skills, of every Southeast Asian athlete, but also the hope and solidarity that drive every game,” said PHISGOC Director for Ceremonies and Cultural Events, Mike Aguilar
