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Source: gmanews.tv

-- The International Olympic Committee’s representative to the Philippines, Frank Elizalde Jr., has given the Filipino athletes set to sail in the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Laos a passionate three-word sendoff message: Unite and win.

“This may not be the most ideal message to give but under the prevailing circumstances, I think this is an essential slogan," said Elizalde after Friday’s Philippine Olympic Committee executive board meeting and send-off party for the SEAG bets.

Elizalde’s words of encouragement fit the situation of the RP team mainstays, whose participation in the Laos conclave even became a center of controversy.

The Philippine Sports Commission, the government’s sports arm, has decided to bankroll the trip of only 153 bets or the medalists of the previous SEA Games, but the POC has insisted to send 251, including those with potential to excel.

This has jeopardized the stint of 98 athletes before the Olympic body eventually found sponsors to cover the expenses.

“We received cash donations and other items including vitamins that our athletes can consume for one whole month. Coming at a time that donors have just extended so much assistance to the victims of two killer typhoons, these things that were given to us must be blessings from above," POC president Jose Cojuangco said.

In agreement, Elizalde said, “Someone up there must like us."

The bulk of Team Philippines will leave for Laos via Philippine Airlines on Sunday in two batches, the PSC-financed crew departing at 6 a.m. and the POC-sponsored bets flying out 30 minutes after.

The delegation targets at least 50 gold medals in a bid to bounce back from the Philippines' worst-ever sixth place finish following a lean harvest 42 gold, 91 silver and 96 bronze medals two years ago in Thailand.

Touching off the Filipinos’ campaign is the water polo team which will go up against Thailand on Saturday. The pool aces will face perennial champs Singapore on Sunday before capping their campaign against Indonesia on Monday.

“This is a very tricky draw result. We have to fight the tough teams up front. It’s dangerous, but we will fight like hell," said swimming association president Mark Joseph.