|
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Finally, the best after 46 years
By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
MANILA -- Finally, after 46 years of fruitless campaign, Filipinos can now claim to be the region's best in the biennial meet participated in by 11 nations.
A golden day for Philippine sports--as what Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair William "Butch" Ramirez described the historic triumph of Team Philippines in the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which came to a close Monday.
"This is emotional, this is sentimental," an ecstatic Ramirez told Davao City sports journalists Monday morning at the PSC sports complex in Pasig just before boarding his van to attend a chief de mission meeting.
"I would consider this as golden day for Philippine sports," Ramirez added.
The Filipino athletes emerged on top of the field for the first time in 23 staging of the biennial meet, a timely achievement for a country still reeling from economic and political turmoil.
Based on the medal tabulation at the International Press Center as of 10 p.m. Sunday, the Philippines is way ahead of the pack with 114 golds, 82 silvers, and 91 bronzes.
Thailand is at second with 86 golds, 79 silvers, and 115 bronzes while Vietnam got 66 golds, 64 silvers, and 84 bronzes for third place.
And with only six golds left contested in different venues on the final day, the overall crown is already in the bag for the host country.
But Ramirez would rather attribute the Philippines' success to the athletes than take the credit himself.
"I attribute this success to the Filipino athletes and for those who prayed and hoped for them," said Ramirez, who despite his position as the highest government sports official in the land, opted to become low-key.
"The Filipino athletes wanted to win. They don't want to lose," he said.
(December 6, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
