GMA invited to grace Asian trackfest

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been invited to be the principal guest of honor and speaker during the opening ceremonies of the Asian Athletics Association on Sept. 20 at the Rizal track and field stadium.

PATAFA chief Go Teng Kok, chairman of the organizing committee, sent the formal invitation to Malacañang last Monday in behalf of 3As president Shri Suresh Kalmadi, a member of the Parliament of India and the 44 member-countries that are taking part in the tournament.

Go said it is fitting that President Arroyo address the gathering of the continent’s elite athletes.

"Besides, numerous members of royalty and parliament and the diplomatic corps will be around to attend the opening program. They are expecting President Arroyo to grace the occasion."

In his letter-invitation to the President, Go said the country’s staging of the continental competition affords the government a "fine vehicle for boosting tourism efforts and strengthening the bonds of friendship with our Asian neighbors."

The athletics president also expressed his thanks to PSC chairman Eric Buhain who, last Tuesday at the PSA forum, announced the commitment of P16 million to bankroll the country’s hosting of the 3As’ 15th edition, the biggest and most important sports spectacle to be held in Asia this year.

More than 1,500 athletes, coaches and officials are expected to attend the four-day trackfest. Japan is sending the biggest delegation with 88, followed by world power China and India with 70 each, Qatar 69, Saudi Arabia 58, Sri Lanka 50, Korea 41 and Singapore 36, among others.