The first-ever Southeast Asian Games hosted by Cambodia were officially opened on Friday at the brand-new Morodok Techo National Stadium in the capital city of Phnom Penh.
The opening ceremony was a culmination of 60 years of waiting for the Cambodian people. The country had the opportunity to host the 3rd Southeast Asian Peninsular Games in 1963, but due to political unrest, it was not able to do so.
The ceremony began with an introduction of the Kingdom to its Southeast Asian neighbors and the world. The parade of nations, a traditional feature of the Southeast Asian Games, marked the conclusion of the opening ceremony, with athletes representing 11 countries taking part in the parade.
The all-Filipina delegation was led by Alyssa Valdez, who had previously played for a Thai club, 3BB.
“It’s overwhelming. I have so many empowered women na makakasabay ko po sa paglakad ngayong gabi. I’m just inspired to share it with them,” Valdez, a three-time Premier Volleyball League Most Valuable Player, told Radyo Pilipinas.
“We’re raring na magbigay rin ng pride and honor sa ating bansa in these SEA Games.”
Some of the Filipinas who joined Valdez were Swimming and diving’s Ariana Hanah Drake, Chloe Isleta, and Miranda Cristina Renner; athletics’ Aira Teodosio, Jamela de Asis, Jelly Diane Paragile, Ginnah Malapit, Abegail Manzano, Melissa Escoton, Sarah Dequinan, Kristine Knott, Evelyn Palarbica, and Natalie Uy; badminton’s Nicole Albo and Mika de Guzman; basketball’s Jack Animam, Clare Castro, Janine Pontejos, Afril Bernardino, Khate Castillo, and Angel Surada; billiards’ Chezka Centeno and Rubilen Amit; boxing’s Nesthy Petecio;
Chess’s (ouk chatrang) Janelle Frayna and Shania Mae Mendoza; cricket’s Lolita Olaguier and April Rose Saquilon; women’s football’s Sarina Bolden, Jessika Cowart, Quinley Quezada, and Inna Palacios; golf’s Rianne Malixi and Lois Kaye Go; jiu-jitsu’s Andrea Divina, Isabela Montana, and Louann Gutierrez; Kun Bokator’s Mariane Mariano and Alyssa Kylie Mallari; obstacle race’s Sandi Menchi Abahan and Marites Nocyao; pencak silat’s Angel-Ann Singh, Shara Julia Jizmundo, and Angeline Virina; and table tennis’s Rose Jean Fadol and Sendrina Andrea Balatbat.
The competition, featuring 46 sports, is set to begin in full swing tomorrow. The events include the gold medal finals in men’s and women’s individual obstacle course races, athletics (marathon and racewalk), gymnastics, taekwondo, and weightlifting.
The Southeast Asian Games are an important sporting event in the region, with athletes from all over Southeast Asia gathering to showcase their skills and compete with their counterparts. This year’s event promises to be an exciting one, with athletes vying for top honors and national pride.
