RP athletes get GMA’s blessing

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo buoyed up the spirits of the athletes bound for the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games when the First Couple arrived unannounced at the annual Olympic Day fun run at the Baywalk Park, Roxas Boulevard yesterday.

President Arroyo, who expressed her support to the national athletes and Mister Arroyo, a staunch backer of Team Philippines in the past SEA Games, mingled with the crowd and posed for photos with the athletes.

International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde and Philippine Olympic Committee officials Celso Dayrit, president, and Tom Carrasco, executive board member and organizer of the event, welcomed the First Couple.

Meanwhile, Wrestling Association of the Philippines bested more than 60 National Sports Associations and sports clubs in the battle cry competition supported by Accel – Team Philippines to the SEA Games official outfitter – Uni-air, Nestle, Milo, Enervon, Speedo and Restolax.

The Olympic Day served to drum up support for the Filipino athletes in the SEA Games.

WAP’s entry, "Ipamalas ang lakas hanggang wakas" edged Philippine Army Running Club’s "Gintong pangarap: hindi ito mahirap kung tayo magsikap" for the grand trophy and P5,000 cash prize.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines emerged runner-up in the NSA category with Sarreal Sports Club bagging second place among the sports clubs.

Rounding out the winners circle were National Archery Association of the Philippines (NSAs) and Sunriser Running Club.