Sihanoukville, Cambodia, January 27, 2023: The spirit and unity among the countries of the south-east Asia region will help make the 32nd SEA Games a “memorable and historical event” in Cambodia this May.
This is the view of the Philippines’ Chef de Mission for the SEA Games, Joaquin Loyzaga, following two days of meetings and venue tours in the capital Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Definitely I could say it was adventurous, exciting and I look forward to coming back,” he said in Sihanoukville on Friday morning, before heading back to the capital.
“It is my first time to come here. The country is quite similar to the Philippines in some ways; the people are very warm and very accommodating.”
Regarding the SEA Games, which will be hosted by Cambodia for the first time in history from May 5-17, the Philippines CDM added: “I think the Cambodia SEA Games Organising Committee, for a first-timer, has done quite a good job in trying to organise themselves and really trying to play the role as hosts to the other south-east Asian countries, making us welcome and very accommodating to us.
“With regards to the facilities, we understand this is their first time and they are still working hard and we appreciate what they are doing. We appreciate the work that has been done by the different head committees and we look forward to working closer with them in order to make this first hosting a very successful event, not just for Cambodia but for the region, and make this a memorable and historical event for the country.”
When asked if he could feel a special bond among the countries to help Cambodia in this historical hosting, Loyzaga said: “I sense it, though I can only speak for the Philippines, but I sense particularly the neighboring countries from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos…they all want to contribute because again logistically it is easier because they are just close by.
“We want this to be a successful event, not just for Cambodia but for the region, and we are really very optimistic. We look forward really to working closely with them, so not only will it be a success for the country and for us officials but more for the athletes that will come from the different regions
“I am sure most of them it’s their first time to come here and we want them to have a great time and enjoy the event and participate and show their talent and what they are made of. It doesn’t matter, perhaps, who would come out the winner, but make this a memorable and meaningful event for all the athletes.”
The Philippines’ Chef de Mission for the 32nd SEA Games is President of the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association.