Despite the criticisms received by the country last week because of some errors that occurred during the preparation of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA) Games, an Asian award body labeled the Philippines as the “best organizer” of the said sporting event.
The Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) Asia has recognized the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) as the best organizer of the SEA Game, mentioning its efforts in handling the said event and organizing a world-class opening ceremony.
SPIA Asia is the region’s leading sports business conference and awards platform, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the Asian sports industry for the past years.
It is known for being the most credible awards platform in Asia when it comes to celebrating the sports industry on the continent.
SPIA chief executive officer Eric Gottschalk personally awarded the trophy to Phisgoc chairman and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Phisgoc chief operating officer Ramon Suzara during a conference in Grand Hyatt Hotel Tuesday.
Suzara said that the award given to them by SPIA would encourage them to work harder in the remaining days of the SEA Games.
This is the fourth time, the Philippines became the host country of the SEA Games.
As of posting time, the Filipino athletes have garnered a total of 109 medals — 54 golds, 36 silvers and 19 bronzes.