Smooth staging of Minda Games seen

Despite the uncertain peace and order situation down South, the man behind the Mindanao Friendship Games assured that there won’t be any hitches during the staging of the five-day meet that begins Sunday.

The event, after all, doesn’t only concern about competitions but peace and unity as well.

"The Mindanao Friendship Games is not all about games but a showcase of our Christian and Muslim brothers playing together for unity and peace," PSC commissioner William ‘Butch’ Ramirez, overall project director of the meet, said before yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Holiday Inn hotel.

Ramirez shared the spotlight in the Red Bull, Agfa Colors and Pioneer Insurance sponsored forum with PSC chairman Eric Buhain, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Celso Dayrit and RP Asian Games delegation Chef de Mission Tom Carrasco.

Now on its second year, the Oct. 27-31 Games will be held in Cagayan de Oro City where about 4,000 athletes from 50 provinces are expected to participate.

Mayor Vicente Emano and Misamis Oriental Gov. Antonio Calingin have already made the necessary preparations — security included — to ensure the success of the multi-sports event that opens at the Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Complex.

It’s for this reason that Ramirez is confident that no untoward incident will happen during the entire duration of the Games, notwithstanding the series of bombings that rocked Kidapawan City and Zamboanga last week.

"Of course, everybody in the world is sad about the picture of terrorism," said Ramirez. "But I hope our Filipino brothers will be one with us in making this a complete success."