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.
“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.”
