“The 30th Southeast Asian Games is a legacy to live by,” says Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez after the Philippines virtually claimed the overall title of the biennial games going into the last two days of the competition.
On Wednesday, December 11, the host country was officially crowned champion again after 14 years. The last time Philippines won the overall title was when it hosted the11-nation sports conclave in 2005.
But Ramirez’s statement didn’t mainly pertain to winning the medals at stake but the lesson the people have learned during the competition. “Winning the gold, silver and bronze is only a bonus. What’s truly important is the friendship built, the sacrifices and respect,” the chairman said.
The Filipino people also displayed its greatest attribute — the hospitality and the spirit of sharing was very much alive as they pour support when the organizer had lapses during the first two days.
When athletes fromTimor-Leste has yet to win a game, Filipinos Prayed for the team when winning an event was wanting. In both social media and actual venues, Filipino spectators were at the back of the Timorese.
“It was indeed a good act. If Timor-Leste wins over Philippines, that’s okay because the kind gesture we showed to the visitors is already like winning,” Ramirez said.
The Timorese, for their part, genuinely appreciate the kindness and generosity of the Filipino people. “I think the hospitality is great. They treat us really special and they serve us good food. We really feel secured,” a Timor-Leste contingent told this writer.
Ramirez also underscored the heroics of Filipino surfer Roger Casugay Jr. who sacrificed his gold medal chance to secure his competitor’s life in the long board competition held weeks ago in La Union.
“Roger Casugay simplifies a classic heroism, perhaps, connotes a very beautiful narrative of heroism,” Ramirez said. Instead of showing off his repertoire to snag the more than P600,000 worth of gold medal, he came back to calm down and rescue the Indonesian contender who’s leash was detached from his surfing board.
The Filipino surfer won the gold medal anyway. But more than that, he won the respect not only of his compatriot but the whole nation of Southeast Asia.
With so many good things happened in the two-week event, Ramirez vowed to improve the services for the national athletes and promised to end abuse and dispute in various sports organization by 2020.-Axelson Clapano
