Bongbong Marcos offers ‘inspiration,’ encouragement to SEA Games-bound PH athletes – rezal404
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.”
Also among the esteemed guests for the event were PSC chairman Richard Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
PSC 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 great 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 last fourth 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.
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