FG boosts confidence of RP contingent

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Athletes and coaches of the Philippine team got a big boost in their gold medal chase in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games after First Gentleman Mike Arroyo visited them to express his support.

Athletes of events to be hosted here have been rigidly training at the freeport since two months ago, and despite their so-called "home court" advantage, they also opted to make practical use of time and proximity to the venue for onsite training.

"It’s not enough that we win golds. I want us to be the champion. So I hope they all do well in the Games," Arroyo told The STAR in an interview.

To sweeten the pot, he added that whoever would get to win most golds would get a HongKong trip courtesy of the First Gentleman Foundation.

Arroyo and Philippine Sports Commission chairman William "Butch" Ramirez were welcomed at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Feliciano Salonga and administrator Armand Arreza, together with the SBMA administrator for administration Ramon de Leon, who is also over-all chairman of the Philsoc-SBMA secretariat.

During the inspection, De Leon briefed the First Gentleman and Ramirez on preparations made for each competition venue, as well as the SBMA’s preparations in general. Canoe/kayak is to be held at the Malawaan Fishing area.

Arroyo also met with RP athletes to give them moral support, and was briefed on the status of athletes’ training, their confidence level, and other concerns.

The inspection also covered the sailing competition venue at Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC), where general manager Jose Marie Vargas presented Arroyo the RP athletes for sailing.

Arroyo also met with archers during their regular practice, which started in September. The tour proceeded to the Boardwalk area where triathlon will be held.

He was able to meet with athletes of each discipline except the triathletes who are scheduled to have a race test Nov. 20.

A few days before the SEA Games opening in Manila, the SBMA will formally welcome delegates from 10 countries in a grand ceremony at the Remy Field Athletic Center.

A cultural night called the Barrio Fiesta Night will follow immediately.

Subic Freeport is one of the satellite venues of the 23rd SEA Games where 53 gold medals for archery, canoe/kayak, sailing and triathlon competitions are at stake.