RP athletes seek prayers for SEA Games campaign

As they left for the "battlefield" in Thailand, Philippine athletes and sports officials sought Filipinos' prayer for a good showing in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok. Radio dzBB reported that the 360-member delegation left for Bangkok at 10 a.m. aboard Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR-730. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez asked Filipinos for prayers to support the athletes, whom he said had sacrificed and trained hard for the Games. Ramirez also said the Philippines is hoping for a repeat of its showing in the 2005 Manila SEA Games where the Philippines topped the overall standings. In the 2005 games, the Philippines had 113 gold medals, 84 silver and 94 bronze medals for a total of 291. Thailand was second with 87 golds, 78 silvers and 118 bronzes for a total of 283. This year's games, from Dec. 6 to 15, will have the theme "Spirit, Friendship and Celebrations," and feature some 436 events in at least 43 sports. The 2007 Games will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. It will be the sixth time Thailand will host the SEA Games. - GMANews.TV