Commemorative coins given to RP delegation

BUSAN – The Philippine delegation received 327 commemorative coins from BAGOC (Busan Asian Games Organizing Committee) yesterday morning in brief, simple ceremonies at the RP headquarters at the Athletes Village here. Park Soo-Bok, the Village Mayor for the day, turned over the coins to Carlos Santos-Viola, administrative officer of the RP delegation.

The coin, which weighs 26 grams and has a 40-millimeter diameter, is made of copper and zinc. Its design shows migrant birds (culsuk-do) in the famous scenic islands (oryok-do) of Busan on one side and the logo of the Busan Games on the other.

Every member of the RP delegation, including 218 athletes, will bring home a coin.

"On behalf of the organizing committee and the people of Busan, I present to you this commemorative coin," Park told Santos-Viola.

As a gesture of appreciation, Santos-Viola presented Park with pins of the Philippine flag.

This is the first time in memory that the commemorative coin was formally presented to a delegation. In the past, organizers either delivered the coins to the delegation headquarters or asked a delegation official to pick them up.