PGMA officially declares SEA Games closed
Jimmy perez

President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo officially declared the 23rd Southeast Asian Games close Monday as she bade farewell to the participants with deep sense of gratitude, warm friendship and camaraderie.

“I now declare the 23rd Southeast Asian Games close,” she intoned as the sacred flame was extinguished.

The President then shook hands with all the chefs de’ mission of the participating countries in a gesture of goodwill amid a blaze of fireworks and before a huge crowd rejoicing over the first ever Filipino triumph in the biennial conclave.

First Gentleman Atty. Mike Arroyo accompanied the President to the stage and seated side by side with PhilSOC CEO and POC President Jose Cojuangco, Jr. and PhilSOC Chairman Robert Aventajado. He also shook hands with the chefs de mission ” before leaving the stage with the President.

Cojuangco then delivered the closing remark under the theme: “Of Building Friendship in the SEAG.”

“I look forward to the new friendship we have. Beyond the medals the athletes won, they should serve as models to the youth of today,” he said.

The PhilSOC chief stressed the local athletes performed beyond the limited resources given them. “But they performed in their hearts.”

“More than the victory in the Games, we must strengthen our brotherhood.Till we meet again in Thailand,” Cojuangco said in closing.

The ceremony started with the parade of all the athletes following the singing of the Philippine national anthem.

An enchanting spectacle of lights showcasing the five-centered festivals that are similar among SEA nations lit the sky in harmony with music and cultural dances.

Aventajado turned over the SEAG flag to Cojuangco who in turn handed it to Thai deputy prime minister Suwat Lipatapanlop as an official recognition of Thailand’s hosting of the 24th edition of the Games in 2007.

After the formal closing ceremony, music and dances followed turning the grandstand ground into a huge “Mardi Gras” Manila-style laced with fireworks that evoked a spirit of fun among brothers of the same race.

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