GMA lauds athletes’ SEAG performance

KUALA LUMPUR (Via Globe Telecoms) — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has relayed, through the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, her satisfaction over the Filipino athletes’ performance in the 21st Southeast Asian Games in various venues here.

Flying back here Saturday night after joining the President in her state visit in Japan, the First Gentleman said the country’s Chief Executive is very much aware of the Philippines’ showing in the Games and she’s very much satisfied with the athletes’ performance.

Asked to react on the report in the Philippines about the revamp in the Philippine Sports Commission after the Games, the First Gentleman said: "It’s not true. The (RP delegation’s showing in the) SEA Games is a proof of good management and the President is satisfied with their (PSC leaders’) performance."

"She knows we could no longer reach our target of 40 gold medals but she is extremely happy our athletes have won so many silvers. She knows her sports and she’s aware that those silvers were close misses that could translate to victories," said Arroyo.

The First Gentleman, who has pledged P2 million from his foundation as bonus for gold medal winners aside from the promised incentives of the President for the medallists, was still able to catch the Efren "Bata" Reyes-Warren Kiamco duel for the billiards 15-ball rotation Saturday night at the Sultan Negara Gymnasium. He then proceeded to the Bukit Jalil National Stadium where he witnessed the gold-medal performances of Eduardo Buenavista (5,000m steeplechase) and John Lozada (800m).

Arroyo congratulated Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association president Go Teng Kok for winning the most number of gold medals for the Philippines. Go’s team scooped a total of eight golds in a big improvement from its one-gold showing in Brunei.

Arroyo made special mention of Elma Muros-Posadas, saying he was happy the multi-awarded athlete from Magdiwang, Roblom retired in glory. Muros-Posadas, 34, ended her career with a record 15 SEA Games gold medals, including the one in heptathlon she won Saturday.

The First Gentlemen hopes that PSC officials can convince Muros-Posadas to work for the government’s sports agency, scouting talents from the grassroots level.

PSC chairman Butch Tuason, meanwhile, said they have had initial talks with Muros-Posadas to become their talent identification program consultant.. "Magkakapirmahan kami pag balik sa Manila," said Tuason.