A new man on the POC reins steers PH sports

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2019 08:12:24 +0000

By WAYLON GALVEZ

The leadership of the Philippine Olympic Committee got a fresh start following the election of Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino in a special election held last July.

Tolentino, head of the cycling association, won over athletics chief Philip Ella Juico 24-20 in the polls called by the International Olympic Committee.

Tolentino’s election to the highest post in the country’s Olympic body was the second in less than two years after the resignation of POC president Ricky Vargas of boxing in November.

It also marked the third time than an election took place in an Olympic cycle – and first since November 2016 when Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. retained his post, and the second in February 2018 when Vargas won.

Following his election, Tolentino focused on the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games held Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, and under his leadership was able to convince the SEA Games Federation Council to approve 56 sports disciplines.

The decision to stage 56 events – the biggest in SEA Games history – was a success as Team Philippines went on to bag the overall championship with 149 gold medals, 117 silvers and 121 bronzes.

The ne
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