Photo Courtesy: Aliguasmangaldan.net

The bulk of Team Pilipinas are on their way to Vientiane, Laos today for the 25^th South East Asian Games. Two chartered planes are commissioned to bring the 351 strong delegation which includes athletes, coaches, managers and trainers and other team officials of the Philippines. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuanco leads the delegates while Philippine Sports Commissioner (PSC) Harry Angpin will follow soon.

Team Pilipinas is seeking for redemption as it placed 6^th overall in the last edition of the biennial event after grabbing the overall title in 2005. The Filipinos are expected to dominate some events such as billiards, long jump and swimming. There are disciplines that were scrapped from the event due to lack of facilities in Vientiane. One is basketball where the Philippines should have already been assured of a gold medal.

Nonetheless, the Filipinos will put a fighting spirit and a gallant effort to withstand the stiff friendly competition.

Photo Courtesy:  Visitthailand.info

Regional powerhouse Thailand is set to show its force in sports once again in the upcoming South East Asian Games (SEA Games) in Vientiane, Laos. The regional event which kicks off this coming December 9 is considered the olympics of South East Asia. A total of 379 Gold medals are up for grabs in this event participated by 11 countries located at the said region.

In 2007 edition of the SEA games held at Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, the host country dominated by hauling down a total of 182 golds together with 123 silver and 101 bronze medals.  Thailand is expected to do the same in this year’s edition considering their performances the qualifying events. Besides, reports coming out from local media stated that the Thai government is joined by corporate sponsors in fully supporting the contingent. The countries that would likely give the Thais a run for their money are Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and emerging powerhouse Vietnam.

Photo Courtesy: Facebook.com

Laos will host the 25^th South East Asian Games (SEA Games) this year.  It will be the first time that the country will host such event.  The event will be held this coming December 9-18, 2009.  Considered as the Olympics in South East Asia, SEA Games is held every two years exclusively participated by countries located in the said region.

The opening and closing ceremonies will be done at the capital city of Vientiane.  Due to constraints to finance the construction of  facilities, the number of sports disciplines will be reduced. Nonetheless, 2009 SEA Games will be exciting as ever as defending overall champions Thailand will be greatly challenged by other powerhouse countries which includes Malaysia and Vietnam.