ASEAN School Games underway

With some 1,500 athletes and sports officials participating, the sixth ASEAN Schools Games kicked off in the Philippines Sunday evening.

 

Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Marikina City Mayor Del de Guzman led the hoisting of the ASEAN flag that opened the Games at the Marikina Sports Complex.

 

A photo tweeted by the Department of Education showed Luistro and de Guzman at the opening rites.

 

"We continue to applaud all of our athletes. We ask you to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship," Luistro said in his remarks.

 

"We dare learn from each other. We learn that differences allow to enjoy & appreciate the various treasures in our culture," he added.

 

For his part, de Guzman said more than 1,500 athletes and sports officials are taking part in the Games.

 

Earlier, ASEAN Schools Sports Council president Kobkarn Suriyasat Wattanavrangkul delivered a message at the opening ceremonies.

 

She expressed confidence the athletes will "continue to demonstrate your endless commitment in the true spirit of sportsmanship."

 

"May the force be with you," she said.

 

An earlier Department of Education news release said the ASG is an annual sports competition among students of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

 

Luistro noted this is the first time the Philippines will host the ASG.

 

“This (ASG) is very important, not only for Marikina but most especially for the Philippines, because here we can showcase the country’s talents in the area of sports and show that we are ready for the world,” Luistro said.

 

Participating countries include Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

 

Events include athletics, swimming, badminton, golf, tennis, sepak takraw, gymnastics, table tennis, basketball, volleyball and wushu. — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News