Overwhelming Support goads team Philippines to victory
By Gemma Limpin

Good crowds, impressive performances.

That’s the way things have been for Team Philippines in the ongoing 23rd Southeast Asian Games as Filipino athletes continue to reward the overwhelming support of their countrymen in various venues with scintillating performances that has put the country inexorably in front of the overall race.

In response to the call of no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to cheer for the nation’s athletes, huge crowds have been filling the venues to the rafters in support of their athletes, elating Malacanang no end.

In a statement Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye encouraged Filipinos to keep on cheering for Team Philippines.

“As our athletes continue to rake in more gold medals, let us fill every home and sport venue with cheers for Team Philippines,” he said.

Proving to be the No. 1 cheerer is President Arroyo, who last Monday visited the Rizal track oval to congratulate the Filipino athletes for their inspiring performances.

She personally shook the hand of steeplechase winner Rene Herrera as well as the other Filipino gold medallists after two days of intense action.

Bunye acknowledged the importance of supporting the nation’s athletes.

“President Arroyo herself is making the rounds of the games to lift the spirit of our athletes who are valiantly aiming for supremacy in their respective fields.

At the end of Day 2, the Philippines shows the way in the 11-nation field of the nine-day meet with 25 gold medals, way ahead of now second running and defending champion Vietnam.

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