Ocon, 23, said he received a letter from the organizers inviting him to take part in the leading international sporting competition for emerging champions of the Asia Pacific region.

Ocon, who topped several international and national competitions, is already in training under the tutelage of athletics coach Emilio Lacanaria. The former Holy Cross of Davao College standout is doing his training at the dirt track of the Calinan National High School.

Held every two years in Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, the Arafura Games is billed as a meeting of ‘Sporting Neighbours’ and attracts

developing athletes from the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

First held in 1991, the most recent Games, held in 2001, involved 25 nations and over 3,000 athletes.

Ocon, who once named So Kim Cheng Athlete of the Year swept the 800, 1, 500 and 300 meter run events during the 3rd BIMP-EAGA International Games. He also competed in Palarong Pambansa, National PRISAA Championships, CHED National Palaro and the National Track and Field Open.