POC President Celso Dayrit, PSC Chairman Eric Buhain, and Samsung President and CEO Sang Youl Eom yesterday unveiled Project: Nationwide Torch Relay, a 17-day island hopping activity starting tomorrow, Sept. 5, which aims to unify all sectors in supporting the Filipino atheletes’ bid for medals in the coming Asiad.
With the theme: "The Nation Rallies Behind Team Philippines," sports leaders and local government officials take a big part in herding their constituents to support and cheer the Nationals, who at this point are tipped to improve on their one-gold medal performance in Bangkok in 1998.
Representatives from more than 30 national sports associations (NSAs) will lead their athletes in the inaugural torch run in Makati City where officials of the POC, PSC and Samsung are expected to lead the people cheer for Team Philippines.
"Finally, the common folk could now express their support to our athletes by joining the torch run. For those who cannot run with the athletes, a simple wave from the sidestreet would give our athletes a big amount of inspiration as they strive to win medals in Busan," Dayrit said.
"An athlete once said he gets a lift every time he hears a compatriot cheering for him. I will be among the crowd when the first torch is lit and will join our brothers in cheering for Team Philippines, We are joining hands to make our athletes feel they have the support of the Filipino people," Buhain said.
"We are proud to support this endeavor and Samsung is one with the POC and PSC in its efforts to unite all forces in support of Filipino athletes bound for Busan," said Samsung president Sang Youl Eom.
International Olympic Committee representative Frank Elizalde, Interior and Local Government Secretary Joey Lina, the Korean Ambassador, and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay will also grace the event to fire off an initial list of 100 runners who retrace routes made popular by the middle class protests against the Marcos rule in the 80’s.
The runners will be met by a shower of confetti along Ayala Ave. and will take Buendia and Makati Ave. before they make their way to the Makati City hall where they will be met by a big crowd who will cheer for the Filipino athletes.