SEAG torch relay reaches Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The SEA Games torch relay reached this former American military base Tuesday as its cross-country journey nears its end with only four days to go before the Games unfold at the Luneta Grandstand.

In a stirring affair participated in by officials of Olongapo City, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the local community, the symbolic flame was lit here to formally signal the start of the Games in this satellie venue.

Eleven Filipino athletes took the symbolic torch from Olongapo City and then lit up 11 key areas in Subic, which represented the 11 countries participating in the SEA Games. The athletes were met by 11 SBMA officials and 11 investors.

Aside from the officials and investors, 11 pairs of Aeta natives from Subic and 44 children dressed in national costumes of the participating countries were present in the affair .

Coming from Olongapo City, Mayor James "Bong" Gordon passed the torch to SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, who in turn handed it to archery gold medal hopeful Jennifer Chan.

Chan then started the torch relay, carrying the flame from the Freeport’s main gate to the next destination, where another athlete took it.

The symbolic flame passed through the other key sites until it reached the Remy Field here, where SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga received it.

The activity culminated when Salonga passed the torch to Athens Olympics veteran Jasmin Figueroa, who lighted the SEA Games urn after running around the SBMA Oval.