As a signal to the start of the 2005 Southeast Asian Games season, the chefs d' mission, or heads of delegation of the 11 SEA countries competing in the biennial meet are arriving in Bacolod City tomorrow.

The delegation heads, together with embassy and sporting officials of their countries, will conduct inspections of the official playing sites and accommodation facilities for the biennial meet on Nov. 20 to Dec. 5.

The chefs' d mission are expected to focus on the inspection of the Paglaum Sports Complex and the Panaad Park and Stadium, the two venues for men's football that is the centerpiece event of the 11-country conclave.

Bacolod City is also hosting boxing at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum, indoor volleyball at the West Negros College Gym, weightlifting at the Island Ballroom of the Bacolod Convention Plaza Hotel, and beach volleyball at the La Salle grounds.

Upon their arrival at the Bacolod Airport, top local government officials will receive the SEA Games executives and there will be performances from the La Carlota City Pasalamat Drumbeaters and the Bacolod City MassKara Festival Dancers. The Bacolod SEAG Organizing Committee co-chairmen Rep. Monico Puentevella and Mayor Evelio Leonardia, and Gov. Joseph Maranon will give welcome messages during the lei ceremonies and reception program at the airport.

The chiefs of mission will also visit the Association of Negros Producers Showroom, before having dinner at the Provincial Capitol grounds.

The visit will be the last time for the heads of delegation until the staging of the international event.

The SEA Games executives visited Manila in May and August to discuss the developments in the Philippines' preparations for the Games.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education has tapped 11 public schools to add color to the reception of the SEA Games officials. Students from the Medel Elementary School, JR Torres Elementary School, Bacolod City National High School and Rizal Elementary School have been given the task to make flags of the participating countries.

The Education and Training Center School-1, 2 and 3, Medel National High School, and Lopez Jaena Elementary School have also been mobilized.

These students will also line the streets, to wave their welcome flags when the delegation heads pass on their way from the Bacolod Airport.*CIT

back to top