Southeast Asian leaders are pushing to enhance the region’s sports landscape by reaffirming the Bali Declaration on Youth and Sports and proposing new competitions.
The Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) will be elevated to meet global standards, supported by the introduction of flagship events such as the Southeast Asia Marathon Series (SEAMS) and the Southeast Asia Pro Cycling Tour (SEA PCT).
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick C. Gregorio highlighted the need to transform the regional sports ecosystem into a robust economic sector.
The Philippines affirms the Bali Declaration and is ready to work with our Southeast Asian partners to elevate the region’s global positioning—leveraging sports tourism as a driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and sports diplomacy for goodwill and peace.
Patrick C. Gregorio
The sports industry generated $521 billion in sales in 2024, with sports tourism accounting for $625 billion, which is 10% of the global tourism market.
Gregorio stressed that viewing sports as an investment rather than an expense is crucial. Indonesian Minister Erick Thohir echoed this sentiment during the first Southeast Asia Ministerial Meeting on Youth and Sports.
Thohir noted that enhancing the SEA Games could attract more investment, sponsorship, and employment opportunities, ultimately boosting sports tourism.
Gregorio further emphasized the importance of investing in youth through sports, aiming to empower them with discipline and opportunities.
The SEAMS aims to elevate Southeast Asian marathons to match the prestige of major events like the Boston Marathon, while the SEA PCT seeks to attract elite cyclists and support local riders.
Despite having world-class athletes, many top competitors skip the SEA Games due to inconsistent sport selection, leading to lower competition quality and audience interest.
If the scale and quality of our regional competitions remain limited, we limit the development of our athletes and the growth of our industry.
Patrick C. Gregorio
The Bali Declaration emphasizes the strategic role of sports in fostering peace and unity, calling for enhanced cooperation in athlete development and hosting international events.
Gregorio concluded with a vision of welcoming the Olympic Games to Southeast Asia as a united region, emphasizing the importance of collective dreams and aspirations.