Manila, Philippines, May 3, 2022: Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has sent a video message of support to the athletes competing in the 31st South East Asian Games in Vietnam this month.
In a Philippine Olympic Committee-produced video on YouTube, President Duterte offers his warmest greetings to the members of the delegation heading for Hanoi.
“As you represent our country in one of the most anticipated sports events in our region, I want you to know that the Filipino nation is deeply rooting for you,” he said.
“Given the training and preparations you have all undergone, I am confident that you will be able to make the Filipino nation truly proud. All the best as we send you off to the 31st SEA Games.”
POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the athletes would not only be chasing gold in their respective sports, they would also be defending the titles they won at the previous SEA Games in the Philippines in 2019 when the host nation finished on top of the medal standings.
There were also inspiring messages from Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz as well as athletes from other sports teams representing the Philippines in the May 12-23 SEA Games.
The video messages from the teams included boxing, canoe-kayak, women’s football, golf, gymnastics, handball, judo, karate, kurash, Muay Thai, pencak silat, rowing, sepak takraw, shooting, taekwondo, women’s volleyball, beach volleyball, wushu, esports and kickboxing.