PHILIPPINE Sports Commission chief Butch Ramirez yesterday toasted the athletes and all the people, agencies and even the fans who helped the country accomplish another miracle in the just-concluded Southeast Asian Games.
In a statement, Ranirez said: “We all worked hard for this. The Philippine Olympic Committee, national sports associations, the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee, the government, the private sector and the Filipino people all came together to show our team that they have the whole nation rooting for them. Salamat po sa lahat.
“It is a happy day for the Philippine Sports Commission, Team Philippines and the country as we celebrate our return to SEAG supremacy,” added Ramirez, who also served as chef de mission of Team Philippines.
“Our athletes gave their all and they deserve all the respect and care that we can give them, as kababayans and as a nation. You all made us proud. Salamat sa inyong sakripisyo, tiyaga at pagpupursigi.
“All your hard work and achievement produced more than just medals. It lifted the spirit of a nation hungry for inspiration and hope. It awakened the spirit of patriotism. Old Filipino values were in full show for the Filipino youth to see and emulate. Pinaalala niyo sa amin na ang sarap maging Pilipino, lahi ng magigiting!!! For all these, maraming salamat!
“Congratulations to our overall champions!”