SEAG bets vie in Macau

Filipino athletes march together with other contingents from 44 nations when the Macau second Indoor Games fires off tonight at the 17,000-seater Macau Stadium.

A Philippine delegation of 117 members, including 79 athletes, is here primarily as part of its buildup for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December, while serving as ambassadors of goodwill in the event.

The Philippine flag will be raised at 10 a.m. at the Plaza of Sai Van Lake in this former Portuguese trading port founded by the Jesuits with Philippine Sports Commissioner Richie Garcia, who is also serving as the delegation’s chief-of-mission, leading the simple ceremonies.

“We will raise the Philippine flag here with pride and the thought of achieving victories while establishing better friendship and understanding with other nations,” Garcia said.

Bowler Markwin Tee, gold medalist in the Manila SEA Games in 2005, will be the RP flag-bearer during the formal opening ceremonies at the Macau Stadium.

The Filipino athletes’ trip here is jointly funded by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.