25th SEAG on; RP bets ready for battle

VIENTIANE – A landlocked country at the heart of the Indochinese peninsula opens its doors for the first time in 50 years to its 10 neighboring countries as it launches the 25th Southeast Asian Games minus the wild excesses of past opening rites today at the Vientiane capital.

The host country, the least densely populated in Southeast Asia with a population of 6.7 million, is 100 percent ready to host the Games in 25 sports where 370 gold medals are at stake for 4,869 athletes until the closing ceremonies on Dec. 18.

White-clad Lao runners, cheered on by thousands of flag-waving Laotians, raced early morning yesterday to the Games Village where the chefs de mission of 11 participating countries presided over the raising of their respective flags at 2 p.m. ceremonies attended by members of the SEA Games Federation Council and Vientiane government officials.

Officials and members of the Philippine contingent, composed of officially registered 261 athletes from 22 sports and 141 officials, attended the Mass at 11 a.m. to pray for divine blessing in their fight for the gold medals even as the contingent is besieged by leadership problems that are starting to show in the biennial games.

Delegation head Mario Tanchangco of the sepak takraw association and Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco Jr. were on hand for this official function.

“Our athletes are ready and we are confident that everyone will do their best,” said Cojuangco shortly before breaking bread with athletes, officials, and Philippine Ambassador to Lao, Marilyn Alarilla, a staunch supporter of the RP campaign.

On the eve of the competitions, Philippine Sports Commission chair Harry Angping sent a text message to the Philippine contingent, wishing them luck and encouraging them to give their best for flag and country.

“This is the Day of Judgment. All the training sacrifices and hard work are put to the test in these coming days. Put up your best. I join all Filipinos in praying to God for your success,” said Angping, who was left behind in Manila.

Alarilla arranged for the contingent a Mass officiated by Lao national Benacon Interat, priest of the lone Catholic parish that caters to about 500 Filipino professionals who work in this predominantly Buddhist nation.

The opening ceremony will begin at 4:30 in the afternoon and is expected to last up to 10 in the evening.

“The program appears to be modest but promises to be colorful and full of local history,” said Tanchangco.

Five gold medals will be at stake in taekwondo on Wednesday, the day the host opens the games through a ceremony of song and dance articulating its evolution and growth over 35 years of independence.

Janice Lagman, Rani Ann Ortega and Camille Alarilla will be the lead personalities in the debut of poomsae of taekwondo at the Booyoung gym inside the National University after having captured the world title in Cairo, Egypt only a week ago for the team event.

“Our women’s team is still very excited but we cannot be over-confident. Vietnam and Thailand are good taekwondo players,” said Rocky Samson, coach of the RP team.

Others seeing action for the Philippines are men’s team members Anthony Matias, Brian Sabido, and Jean Sabido. Ortega and Jean Sabido will team up for the mixed competition.

Also scheduled on Wednesday are the elimination phase of the downhill race in cycling at the Dane Soung Saythany District and the women’s hoop at the ITTC Center.