LESS than a month before the biggest games in Southeast Asia kicks off, Dabawenyos were already cheering as they welcomed the torch from Malaysia for the 30th Southeast Asian Games Torch Run in Davao City last October 30, 2019.
The run was spearheaded by Davao athletes Aiba Women's World Boxing Championships 2019 gold medalist Nesthy Alcayde Petecio, World Youth and Juniors Sambo Championships 2019 bronze medalist Sydney Tancontian, and 2015 SEA Games wakeboard double bronze medalist Maiquel "Mikee" Jawn Selga together with five other torch bearers. Around 2,500 runners rallied behind them.
Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, who was present during the event, lauded the incredible performance of the athletes ahead of the SEA Games in his speech.
Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, who also gave his message of support, saidit is a privilege for the city to host such a momentous event.
Meanwhile, Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey emphasized the sacrifices of all the athletes in pursuing their dreams and the quest for delivering honor for the country.
It is the fourth time that the Philippines hosts SEA Games, which started in 1981 followed in 1991 and 2005.
This year, 10 nations will vie for the top spot in each of the 56 sports and 530 events, in over 44 venues from November 30 to December 11, 2019.
The opening ceremony will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.