Palarong Pambansa top athletes will be competing at the 7th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Schools Games slated in Brunei Darussalam, from November 21 to 29, 2015.
An orientation program and pep rally for the Philippine contingent was held at the Department of Education Central Office on November 20, 2015 before they depart from Manila on November 21.
The pep rally was headed by Undersecretary for Regional Operations and Head of the Delegation Rizalino D. Rivera. The Undersecretary challenged the athletes by saying that “there are two ways you can win and make the country proud, one is winning. When you win, you do it not just for yourself but for the entire country. There is no prouder moment than having the national anthem played when you receive your medal. The other way is fighting with your heart. Puso! Laban! Kahit mas malakas, mas malaki ang ating kalaban, walang susuko nang ganun-ganun lang. And by so doing, you will gain the respect of your opponent, your countrymen and you will make your country proud.
“I hope you also find time to make friends with the delegates of other countries. Enjoy your stay in Brunei and fight for the country,” Rivera added.
The ASG is an annual sporting event which aims to promote the spirit of partnership and equality in the region through cooperation in the field of sport and engage in cultural exchange. Among the objectives of the ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) are to make sports as a contributor to regional peace and stability, act as a base to produce world-class athletes and encourage healthy life style through sports.
It will be participated by athletes and coaches from the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brunei Darussalam as the host country. The venues for each sporting event are Tutong Sports Complex for Athletics, Indoor Stadium for netball, Pusat Belia (Youth Center) BSB for badminton, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex Multi-Purpose Hall for pencak silat, Jerudong Park Golf and Country Club for golf, Rimba II Secondary School for sepak takraw and Swimming Complex, HBNS for swimming.
Completing the delegation are Assistant Secretary Tonisito M.C. Umali Esq., NCR Director Luz S. Almeda, Director Ponciano A. Menguito as Chef de Mission, Director Rizalino Jose T. Rosales and Schools Division Superintendent Elizabeth E. Quesada both as Deputy Chef de Mission and Mr. Cesar S. Abalon as Technical Official. (PIA)
