Mike Arroyo to welcome SEA Games flame today

Runners from different schools will again take the limelight this morning as they transfer the flame of the 23rd Southeast Asian Game (SEAG) from Mandaue City to Cebu City, where First Gentleman Mike Arroyo will welcome the arrival at the Cebu City Hall.

Yesterday, long distance runner Christy Sevilleno and International Children's Games campaigner Michael Kenn Villaruel, both from University of Cebu, took turns in bringing the torch to the Mandaue City Hall.

During the first stop in Danao City, the flame was carried by middle distance runner Adelio Chiang, also of UC.

Danao City Councilor Oscar "Boying" Rodriguez turned over the flame to Philippine Councilors League of the Philippines president and Mandaue City councilor Carlo Fortuna after a brief ceremony in baranggay Jagobiao.

Fortuna was also joined in the ceremony by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William "Butch" Ramirez and other Mandaue City Hall officials.

Fortuna then led the motorcade from Jagobiao to Maguikay, after which Sevilleno, Villaruel and a group of selected Cebu athletes ran towards the Mandaue City Hall carrying the flame, the SEA Games flag and the colors of the 11 participating nations.

Today, there will be minor changes in the schedule of the torch relay. After the turnover ceremony at barangay Subangdaku, the flame will instead be carried by a motorcade towards JY Square in Lahug and from there the runners will take over the task of carrying the flame and the flags to the Cebu City Hall.

A brief welcome ceremony will be held at the City Hall with Arroyo, Ramirez and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña expected to give inspirational talks to uplift the spirits of the members of the Philippine national team, who will also be present.

From the City Hall, the flame will then be turned over to Cebu City Sports Commission chairman Jonathan Guardo at the Fuente Osmeña Circle for him to bring it to the Cebu Provincial Capitol, where Gov. Gwen Garcia is waiting.

While the torch travels to the Capitol building, First Gentleman Arroyo and some members of the Cebu Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (CebuSOC) will inspect all the venues to be used for the SEA Games.