PH Polo Association expresses excitement in being included in SEA Games Calendar

FILE: President Ricky Vargas and chairman Rep. Bambol Tolentino made polo the 56th sport in the list of events from January 30 to December 11. (Photo: 1Pacman Party List/Official Website)

As the Philippines is preparing to host the 30th edition of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games later this year, the United Polo Players Association (UPPA), led by chairman Peter Cayatano, announced its anticipation in joining the competition after Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Ricky Vargas and chairman Rep. Bambol Tolentino made polo the 56th sport in the list of events from January 30 to December 11.

UPPA chairman emeritus Rep. Mikee Romero from the 1Pacman Partylist reacted to the news of three potential goal medals for the Philippines from the sport, saying, “It was a huge relief for all of us after the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) gave us the green light to stage our sport. All our efforts did not go down the drain and we thank Mr. Vargas and Rep. Tolentino for their all-out support.”

In response, Federation International Polo (FIP) Zone D President Peter Predevilla told Romero, “I look forward to working with you and make this outcome a success. FIP places a high priority on the SEA Games outcomes and for all the countries that participate and especially in ensuring the reputation of the host country.” Predevilla added that the venue for the event — the Miguel Romero Field in Calatagan, Batangas, which is named after Romero’s late son — has been improved.

Before the official event during the SEA Games, the 0 Goals Mix will take place on November 10-17 with the finals being on November 29, which is a day before the opening ceremonies. The UPPA expressed its hopes in further promoting the sport in the Philippines by doing well during the competition, “Hopefully we can produce the first gold and set things in motion for Team Philippines,” concluded Romero.

The UPPA is also led by executive-general Tonio Veloso and vice chairman Jun Eusebio.