100% SUPPORT. More than 500 athletes from various disciplines pose during their general assembly at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Friday (July 5, 2019). At the event, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea assured the athletes of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s 100 percent support for them in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Sports Commission)
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte has pledged his support for the country’s athletes in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) that the Philippines will host.
"He is behind you para sa (for the) SEAG," Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea told the athletes who attended a general assembly at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Friday.
More than 500 athletes from various disciplines attended the general assembly.
Responding to the assurance, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez said, "It means a lot to feel and see the government’s care for sports."
In response, national team legend Elma Muros-Posadas said the national athletes should be thankful to Duterte.
"Napakapalad ninyo kasi si presidente 100 percent ang suporta (You are very lucky because the President’s support for you is 100 percent)," Posadas, known for her prowess in the long jump and various athletics events, told the current crop of sports heroes present.
Medialdea then told the athletes, "Let us win as one and patuloy natin itaguyod ang ating bansa sa larangan ng sports (continue to promote our country in the field of sports)."
Seconding Medialdea, Posadas added, "Focus tayo sa laban. Andito tayo sa bansa natin kaya lalong galingan natin. (Let us focus on the fight. The Games will be held in our country, so let us give our best.)" (PNA)
