President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joins the Philippines’ Southeast Asian Games delegation during a sendoff party at the PICC. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER
MANILA, Philippines—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave Filipino athletes a shot in the arm ahead of their campaign in the upcoming 32nd Southeast Asian Games happening in Cambodia.
Marcos also expressed gratitude to the Philippine delegation during the sendoff party organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) at Philippine International Convention Center.
“I thank you all for the honor and glory that you bring to our country. Now, you’re all going to the next SEA Games and everyone seems to be ready,” Marcos said in Filipino. “The hopes, dreams and aspirations of our countrymen in the Philippines ride with you. It is an extreme pleasure for me to see all of you.”
“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,” Marcos added.
(You have 107 million people who continue to pray for your success and who are constantly thinking of ways to help you win and make you stronger.)
With the hard work of the athletes, trainers, and coaches, Marcos said he expects them to bring home medals and honor.
Highlighting the importance of sports to society, the President 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.
Philippine Olympic Committee chair Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the President’s presence and words of encouragement will serve as extra motivation for the 860 Filipino athletes competing in the biennial meet, which is slated from May 5 to 17 in Phnom, Penh.
“It’s a big inspiration for our athletes. Imagine, the President of the Republic was present to grace the sendoff personally,” Tolentino said.
The Philippines, which claimed the overall title in the 30th edition of the Games held in Manila, aims to at least land among the top spots in the medal tally this time after placing fourth last year in Hanoi, Vietnam where the country sent 656 athletes and hauled 52 golds, 70 silvers and 105 bronzes.
The Philippines will be competing in 608 events across 38 sports.
“I know that you all worked hard in your training and maybe we won’t just be rewarded a few medals and trophies but maybe we can surpass our sporting records in the past,” Marcos said.
The 32nd SEA Games will take place starting on May 5 until May 17 with Filipino athletes flying to Cambodia on May 2.