As in sports, RP can move as one with unity and teamwork, says PGMA
By Gemma Limpin

Noting the Filipino fighting spirit and solidarity which allowed the country to capture a first ever overall championship in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today the country is looking to be No. 1 not only in sports, but also in economic strength and political stability.

“We have rediscovered the best in the Filipino, setting aside differences and showing the world that we can move as one and go for the gold with incomparable unity and teamwork,” she said in a statement.

The Chief Executive who declared the games open and will close it anew tonight at the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park, said the country is on the road to becoming a sports power in Asia.

“No dreams are too distant to achieve if we prepare well, work hard and close ranks,” she added.

The Philippines, hosting the SEA Games for the third time, won a historic first overall title with a runaway haul of 113 gold medals with only four finals events left to be disputed as curtains fall
on the regional meet today.

Thailand, criticized earlier for casting doubts on the integrity of the games, is set to finish second followed by Vietnam, winner of the 2003 staging back home, in third.

The President bid farewell to the athletes and officials of the participating nations in the 23rd SEA Games, saying the sportsmanship shown by the competitors “mark the collective excellence of
the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) as a solid region sharing a proud heritage.”

“In behalf of a proud and jubilant people, I salute our athletes and thank our national sports associations, the private sector, the local government officials, the gallant volunteers and all
those who had one way or another contributed to the success of the games,” she said.

SEA GAMES PHILIPPINES [http://www.2005seagames.com.ph/]