With the excitement building as the country comes near to the opening day of the Philippine-hosted 30th Southeast Asian Games in November, the hope of replicating our top-spot finish in 2005 also comes to peak.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez on Wednesday reminded that we are faced with two big challenges for this SEA Games edition, one is to deliver an efficiently-run, well-executed event as hosts and the second is to perform at our utmost best as a participating-delegation in the said Games.
Ramirez held in previous statements that the PSC is ready and has been giving its full support to both efforts.
The sports agency has allocated P600 million this year in support of SEAG-related trainings, competitions and expenses of national sports associations, plus another P600 million for training supplies and equipment.
“There will be a substantial amount of money which will be spent for our national team as well as for the hosting,” Ramirez shared, adding that while we can ensure presenting a good event “our final ranking is less within our control since the preparation of our opponents from other countries as well as their own sports landscape ultimately affect what we will see on the medal tally.”
The pressure to clinch the overall championship crown is ever-present, and mounting, as expectations from different groups come in. Ramirez assures that Team Philippines is all heart and dedication in giving their best performance considering the rare opportunity to play in a highly competitive setting in front of their own countrymen.
“I have faith in our national athletes. Lahi tayo ng mga bayani,” declared the Chef de Mission, citing the fighting spirit that was imbued by our forefathers and heroes.
However, as a teacher, coach and with his experience as a two-time PSC Chairman and CDM many times over, he also underscored that so many other factors are at play.
“I value the values that will result from their participation in this Games. The discipline, dedication and patriotism that this will awake in their spirits are as valuable as gold,” said Ramirez. He continued with the call for everyone to come as one nation with one heart, saying that unity is the key for the success of our hosting and our athletes’ performance
In the 4th Coordination Meeting for Team Philippines which he called as Chef de Mission he once again stressed the importance of unity and that at this point everyone should forget about their own affiliations because we are all called to be one for after all “we are all Team Philippines.”