Pinoy sports legends urge support for Filipino athletes in SEA Games 2019

Filipino sports legends urged fellow Pinoys to support their countrymen competing in the Southeast Asian Games 2019.

In a report by Raffy Tima on GMA News TV's Balitanghali Weekend on Saturday, track and field star Elma Muros, Olympian boxer Onyok Velasco, and bowler Bong Coo all shared how the presence of their countrymen during their sports events encouraged them to do their best.

"Nanood pa ang magulang ko. Ganado ako plus ang sambayanang Pilipino namamalakpak, sumisigaw. Iba talaga. Iiyak mo dahil ang gusto mo ang bandera ng Pilipinas, number 1," said Muros, gold medalist during the 1991 SEA Games.

"'Pag nakita mo 'yung flag mo, 'yung sumusuporta sa 'yo nandiyan, marami, halos lahat Pilipino, so parang ganahan ka na ipakita mo 'yung galing mo na manalo," said Velasco who won the silver medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics. He also bagged a gold medal at the 1994 Asian Games.

Philippine Bowling Federation's Coo on the other hand said the feeling of seeing the Philippine flag being raised because of your victory is an experience of a lifetime.

"Pinakamasarap na pakiramdam na nakatayo ka sa podium na number 1. Tapos nakikita ko ang flag tumataas, mas mataas doon sa mga flag nila, kinakanta ko ang National Anthem. Walang tatalo, walang tatalo sa pakiramdam na 'yon," said Coo, a four-time ten-pin bowling world champion. She was also the first Filipino athlete listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Philippine Bowling Federation, Inc. on Thursday also posted a photo of Filipino sports icons Coo and Velasco together with Akiko Thomson, Efren "Bata" Reyes, Paeng Nepomuceno, Lydia de Vega, and Alvin Patrimonio in its Facebook account.

"GOAT gathering! Mabuhay ang Atletang Pilipino!" the caption read.

Former basketball player and now director of SEA Games Volunteer Program Chris Tiu encouraged Filipinos to watch the games to support their countrymen-athletes.

"When you know that the whole country whole nation is behind you and cheering for you, lalo na kung nandu'n and you can feel the energy and you can hear the cheering parang iba 'yung adrenalin e na naibibigay nu'n. So malaking bagay talaga 'yung effect na merong physical presence sa mga venues," Tiu said.

Those who will not be able to be physically present at the sporting venues may show their support through social media, he said.

"Sana we use it (social media) positively to show that we are united as a nation, that we are encouraging our athletes and our organizers. The last thing we want is for our athletes to feel discouraged lalo na 'pag natalo," Tiu said.

Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) spokesperson Atty. Jarie Osias said even following traffic schemes laid out for the SEA Games this year is already a form of support.

"Igalang naman ho natin 'yung regulations na ipinapatupad ng MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), ng PNP (Philippine National Police) para lang ho matiwasay na makarating sa mga competition venues ang lahat ng manlalaro ng SEA Games," he said.

READ: MMDA advises public of traffic disruption, chokepoint areas during SEA Games 2019

READ: Adriatico Street in Manila closed for SEA Games

The Philippines was the overall champion during the SEA Games 2005 held in the country.

PHISGOC is hoping the country will again be the over-all champion this year.

"I'm praying and hoping na mag-overall champion tayo," PHISGOC chairman and Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said.

The SEA Games is held every two years. Although Brunei was originally the host of the 30th SEA Games, the Philippines took over due to the lack of facilities in Brunei. —KG, GMA News

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online