The country’s sports leaders presented the contingent of Team Pilipinas to none other than President Rodrigo Duterte in a send-off ceremony for the team, Monday at the Malacañang Palace.
Headed by Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vergas and chef de mission Richard Gomez, the athletes – who will try to up the 1-gold, 3-silver, and 11-bronze whole of the country in Incheon back in 2014 – were formally given the task assigned to them for the continental meet in Indonesia.
“Mr. President, on behalf of the executive board, officers, and staff of the Philippine Olympic Committee and with the support of Philippine Sports Committee chairman William Ramirez, POC chairman Abraham Tolentino, and I are honored and privileged present to you our athletes who will proudly compete and fight for flag and country in 2018 Asian Games,” said Vargas in the opening remarks.
“This is your army Mr. President of athletes who will compete in Asia.”
“Mr. President we have 272 athletes who will compete in 35 sports, namely Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Softball, Basketball, Bowling, Boxing, Bridge, Canoe, Dragonboat, Cycling, Equestrian, Golf, Gymnastics, Jetski, Judo, Karate, Jiujitsu, Pecak Silat, Korash, Sailing, Wushu, Windsurfing, Sepak Takraw, Shooting, Sports Climbing, Skateboarding, Squash, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Soft Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling,” added Gomez, who later gifted Duterte with his own Team Pilipinas track suit.
Duterte had a simple message for the Asiad-bound athletes. No expectations were given, as the chief executive just wants them to embody the spirit of the Filipino athlete.
“All I ask from you is that you do your best and that you do it fair and square,” said the President. “In return, trust that we in government will continue to support the development of our athletes and intensify our commitment towards sports excellence, global competitiveness, and the greater glory of your country, the Philippines.”
For the 2018 Asian Games, the Philippines will be sending 272 athletes in 35 sports, 113 athletes and nine events more than the 2014 contingent.
