Busan welcomes RP team in rites

BUSAN — "We wish you victorious results and hope you enjoy your stay."

With these words, the mayor of the Busan Asian Games’ Athletes Village, Wang Sang-eun, officially welcomed the Philippines delegation to the living center yesterday morning during the flag-raising ceremony at the Flag Plaza.

"This is an important occasion…for this (flag-raising) ceremony officially recognizes our presence here," responded RP delegation chef de mission Tomas Carrasco Jr. during the 15-minute rites attended by more than 20 Filipino athletes led by equestrianne Mikey Cojuangco-Jaworski and the boxers.

"More than our participation (in the Asian Games), our presence in the 17-day competition gives true meaning to our government’s sincere appreciation of its long ties with your country," added Carrasco.

Fil-Am boxer Christopher Camat handed the RP flag over to a Korean volunteer, who hoisted it while the national anthem was played by a band.

The Village mayor and Carrasco swapped gifts before proceeding to a mid-morning reception.

Majority of the 40 Filipino athletes who are already here did not attend the ceremony to concentrate on their training. Among them were the archers, rowers and the four-man sailing team of Ridgely Balladares, Rommel Chavez, Joseph Jayson Villena and Lealyn Taroja.

The all-pro RP basketball team was scheduled to arrive late yesterday from Manila, while a big bulk of the delegation numbering 115 will fly in today.

Athletes from different countries, including North Korea, which is vying for the first time in an international sports event held in South Korea, have started settling into their new home for the next three weeks.

The first wave of the RP delegation checked in Sunday together with those from Indonesia, Brunei, Iran, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Macau, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Chinese-Taipei. A total of 44 countries, including the newly independent East Timor, will compete in the largest Asiad ever.

On Monday, the North Koreans flew in here together with athletes from Bhutan, Qatar, Yemen, South Korea, Japan, Bahrain, Pakistan, Thailand, Myanmar, China and Saudi Arabia.

The North Koreans attract a lot of attention. But everybody’s eyes are focused on Nokor’s–and undoubtedly the world’s tallest basketball player–Ri Myong-hun, who stands at 7-foot-9.

Ri is easily a foot taller than many of his teammates, but the Nokor cagers’ skills remain a big question mark. The Nokors are bracketed with the Filipinos in Group C.

Meanwhile, the Busan Asiad, official newspaper of the 14th Asian Games, reports, "about 10,000 athletes and officials will enjoy a deluxe apartment complex boasting 2,290 units in 20 separate high-raise buildings. The village can accommodate up to 14,000 people and includes 11 facilities for administration, entertainment and services."