SOME 107 million Filipinos will be cheering the Philippines’ 840-strong delegation as it competes in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Monday, emphasizing the country has high hopes for the Filipino athletes in the regional sporting event.
“You have 107 million na kakampi na walang ginawa kung hindi magdasal na maging successful sa inyo, walang ginawa kung hindi isipin kung papaano kayo panalunin, kung papaano kayo tulungan, kung papaano kayong palakasin,” President Marcos said during the send-off rites for the athletes at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
“Alam naman ninyo. Kahit nandoon kayo sa Phnom Penh, kahit nasa Cambodia kayo ay maririnig niyo. Basta makinig kayo nang mabuti, maririnig niyo ‘yung sigaw namin to encourage you,” he said.
And with the hard work of the athletes, trainers, and coaches, the President expects them to bring home medals, trophies and honor after the event.
Highlighting the importance of sports to society, President Marcos vowed to continue backing Filipino athletes and the Philippine sports programs.
“If this administration, this government, can do anything more to support our athletes, to support sports in our country, that this administration can do, that I personally can do, you please make sure you will tell me because we are all rooting for you,” he said.
Sport is one of the very few activities without a downside, the President said, stressing its importance to athlete’s discipline, health and overall camaraderie.
At the same time, President Marcos honored those who have always been in the sporting arena and have managed to make a name for themselves and put the Philippines on the athletic map, thanking them for the honor and the glory that they brought to the country.
The 32nd SEA Games will take place from May 5 to 17 in Cambodia, with Filipino athletes vying for podium finishes in 38 disciplines at the region’s biggest biennial multisport event.
Joining the President were Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson Richard Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino and other officials.
