PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. said he expects Filipino athletes competing in the 32nd Cambodia
Southeast Asian Games next month to surpass the haul of the national delegation in last
year’s Vietnam Games.
“Alam kong lahat kayo ay naghirap at pinagbuti ang inyong mga training. Kaya ang ating
inaasahan ay malampasan natin ang ating nakaraang record,” Marcos told the 840–strong
national team during the well–attended send–off at the Philippine International Convention
Center.
“‘Yung mga hindi pa nag–cha–champion, mag–cha–champion pa lang sa Cambodia,” Marcos
stressed in his impromptu speech.
Present during the occasion were top sports and government officials led by Philippine
Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee President
and Tagaytay Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, and Sen. Bong Go, the chairman of the
Senate Sports Committee.
“The hopes, dreams and prayers of 107 million Filipinos go with you. Kakampi ninyo kami,”
added the sports–minded Chief Executive, once a swimmer and football player during his
youth, of the Philippine contingent whose participation is bankrolled by the PSC to the tune
of P300 million.
The country’s No. 1 sports fan expressed optimism the Filipino bets would surpass their
haul of 52 gold, 70 silver and 105 bronze medals, good for fourth overall in the 11–nation
meet, in the 2022 Vietnam SEA Games.
“If there is anything more this government, administration and I myself can do, please tell us
because we are rooting for you,” Marcos added less than two weeks before the sports
showcase formally kicks off on May 5 at the Morodok Techno National Stadium in the
Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh.
The games will run up to May 17, with Filipino athletes vying for podium finishes in 38
disciplines.
Given his love and passion for sports, Marcos, who also indulged in archery, squash and
fencing, pointed out that one of his favorite roles as national leader is “to recognize, inspire
and, hopefully, support national athletes.
Southeast Asian Games next month to surpass the haul of the national delegation in last
year’s Vietnam Games.
“Alam kong lahat kayo ay naghirap at pinagbuti ang inyong mga training. Kaya ang ating
inaasahan ay malampasan natin ang ating nakaraang record,” Marcos told the 840–strong
national team during the well–attended send–off at the Philippine International Convention
Center.
“‘Yung mga hindi pa nag–cha–champion, mag–cha–champion pa lang sa Cambodia,” Marcos
stressed in his impromptu speech.
Present during the occasion were top sports and government officials led by Philippine
Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee President
and Tagaytay Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, and Sen. Bong Go, the chairman of the
Senate Sports Committee.
“The hopes, dreams and prayers of 107 million Filipinos go with you. Kakampi ninyo kami,”
added the sports–minded Chief Executive, once a swimmer and football player during his
youth, of the Philippine contingent whose participation is bankrolled by the PSC to the tune
of P300 million.
The country’s No. 1 sports fan expressed optimism the Filipino bets would surpass their
haul of 52 gold, 70 silver and 105 bronze medals, good for fourth overall in the 11–nation
meet, in the 2022 Vietnam SEA Games.
“If there is anything more this government, administration and I myself can do, please tell us
because we are rooting for you,” Marcos added less than two weeks before the sports
showcase formally kicks off on May 5 at the Morodok Techno National Stadium in the
Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh.
The games will run up to May 17, with Filipino athletes vying for podium finishes in 38
disciplines.
Given his love and passion for sports, Marcos, who also indulged in archery, squash and
fencing, pointed out that one of his favorite roles as national leader is “to recognize, inspire
and, hopefully, support national athletes.
Except for injuries, sports is an activity that has few downsides. It is good for your health,
good for discipline, camaraderie, teamwork and maturity of the young people.
“Nagdadala ng kasiyanhan sa buong bansa at sa buong Pilipino ang sports. Ito ay
nagdadala ng dangal sa Pilipino,” he said.
“The President’s presence in this send–off is a big deal because it shows that he really
cares for our national athletes,” Tolentino said. “We pray that this will inspire our Filipino
campaigners to do well and excel in the Cambodia SEA Games. We hope they live up to his
expectations.” (B. Pedralvez, Malaya)
good for discipline, camaraderie, teamwork and maturity of the young people.
“Nagdadala ng kasiyanhan sa buong bansa at sa buong Pilipino ang sports. Ito ay
nagdadala ng dangal sa Pilipino,” he said.
“The President’s presence in this send–off is a big deal because it shows that he really
cares for our national athletes,” Tolentino said. “We pray that this will inspire our Filipino
campaigners to do well and excel in the Cambodia SEA Games. We hope they live up to his
expectations.” (B. Pedralvez, Malaya)
