Runners at the 2019 SEA Games Torch Run in Cebu. CDN PHOTO/Gerard Vincent Francisco
CEBU CITY — At least 5,000 people participated in the Cebu leg of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games torch relay on Saturday.
The event that was highlighted by the lighting of the SEA Games flame also became a “fun run” activity with participants ranging from policemen to military personnel as well as students and running enthusiasts.
During the run, the SEA Games torch was carried by 12 people in a relay over the 5-kilometer route at the South Road Properties in Cebu City.
Among the torchbearers include Cebuano athletes as well as some of the members of the Philippine national team.
These include Karateka champ James Delos Santos; Cebuano triathlete Kim Remolino; skateboarder Tomas Romualdez; Female karateka champ Sarah Pangilinan; and Cebu’s basketball star Dondon Hontiveros, who is now a city councilor of Cebu.
Local officials are also among the torchbearer, including Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella and Presidential Assistance for the Visayas Michael Dino.
Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) chief operating officer Ramon Tats Suzara was also present and was one of the bearers during the second leg of the “Torch Run”.
The first leg was held in Davao City while the last leg of the SEA Games torch run will be at the Bayanihan Park in Clark, Pampanga, which is the main venue of the games.
It was a festive atmosphere at the opening program held at the SM Seaside Complex with songs and dances entertaining participants of the fun run.
Some of the participants have transformed the event into a family picnic, bringing with them their children.
The SEA Games officially opens on November 30 at the Philippine Arena in Clark.
Edited by KGA