Nationwide torch relay hits road

A shower of confetti and the united cheer of the working class and young urban professionals fire off Project: Nationwide Torch Relay today at the heart of the county’s central business district, with each of the runners’ stride dedicated to the Filipino athletes competing in the coming Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.

The 17-day island hopping activity, which aims to unify all sectors in supporting the Filipino athletes’ bid for medals in the coming Asiad set Sept. 26-27, starts at the Glorietta parking lot and will trek the route that sparked political changes in the country leading to the 1996 People’s Power revolt. The runners will stop over at the Makati City Hall, where several national athletes will be honored by local government and sports leaders.

Project: Nationwide Torch Relay, a project of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Samsung Electronics Phil. Corp., will have the theme: "The Nation Rallies Behind Team Philippines."

POC president Celso Dayrit, PSC chairman Eric Buhain and Samsung president and CEO San Youl Eom will lead guests during the kick off ceremonies along with representatives from more than 30 National Sports Associations (NSAs) who will 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 for the sidestreets 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 bound for Busan," Samsung president Sang Youl Eom said.