Philippines to host inaugural SEA Plus Youth Games in 2027 to boost grassroots sports

The Philippines is set to take another step in strengthening its grassroots sports program after officials confirmed the country will stage the inaugural Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games in 2027.

The landmark event, scheduled from December 2 to 14, 2027, was formally introduced on Monday by Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who both see the tournament as a crucial addition to the country’s youth development pathway.

Tolentino, who also serves as founding president of the new regional meet, said the Philippines will take on the responsibility of hosting the first edition as the concept begins its rollout across Asia.

“As founding president of the SEAG Plus Youth Games, we will be hosting the first edition of the event,” Tolentino said during a press briefing at the PSC Media Center.

The idea for the tournament was first proposed by Tolentino to officials within the Southeast Asian Games community and eventually gained approval during a ratification and solidarity meeting held during the Thailand SEA Games last December.

Beyond staging another international competition, organizers say the new youth meet is designed to strengthen the long-term pipeline of Filipino athletes.

Gregorio, who was appointed head of the Local Organizing Committee, believes the initiative fits naturally with the Philippine Sports Commission’s renewed emphasis on developing young talent.

“It’s a great idea. In fact, it’s an excellent idea. It’s for the development of the country’s grassroots. Mag-align ito sa Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy. Siyempre, shoot na shoot din ito sa programa nating sports tourism. This is really very good,” Gregorio said.

The tournament will mirror the structure of the SEA Games by gathering athletes from the region’s 11 other Southeast Asian nations, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

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However, organizers plan to broaden the competition’s scope by inviting several additional Asian countries, turning the youth meet into a wider regional showcase. Nations such as Bahrain, Bhutan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Turkmenistan are being considered for participation.

The proposed sports program will combine traditional Olympic disciplines and regional favorites.

Mandatory events will include aquatics and athletics, while other Olympic sports under consideration include triathlon, judo, boxing, golf, skateboarding, wrestling, fencing, basketball, tennis, and gymnastics.

Several non-Olympic competitions — including jiu-jitsu, billiards, dance sports, and mixed martial arts — are also expected to be featured, alongside the Philippines’ traditional martial art, arnis.

Multiple venues are being eyed for the tournament, with competitions planned at the SMX Convention Center and the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Aquatics and athletics events, meanwhile, are expected to take place at the world-class facilities in New Clark City Aquatics Center and the nearby track oval in Capas, Tarlac.

For Tolentino, hosting the new youth tournament is also an opportunity for the Philippines to once again demonstrate its capability as a regional sports host — something the country showcased during the 2019 SEA Games.

“After the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, now is the time na ipakita ulit natin ang pagho-host,” Tolentino said.

“Tulung-tulong po tayo dito dahil ang hosting ng bansa natin ang nakataya dito.”

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