Countdown to SEA Games 2019 Begins

Preparations for the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) 2019 officially came to a full swing Friday evening with the unveiling of a countdown clock at the Bayanihan Park.

“The activation of this countdown clock represents our optimism for a future that is full of promises. It symbolizes the common aspirations of our South East Asian family for a stronger regional community that is bound by friendship, camaraderie, cooperation, and teamwork,” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said.

“The next 365 days will be more than just a period of anticipation and excitement for the Philippines. It will also be a challenging time for the entire country as we prepare to host the biggest sports event in the region. We are confident that the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee with the help of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee will hurdle all obstacles along the way,” he added.

(from left to right) Philippine Olympic Committee Athlete’s Commission Chairperson Nikko Huelgas, Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson and 2019 Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee Co-Vice Chairperson William “Butch” Ramirez, 2019 Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee Chairperson Alan Peter Cayetano, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Philippine Olympic Committee President and 2019 Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee Co-Vice Chairperson Victorico “Ricky” Vargas lead the Countdown Ceremony to signal the start of a series of activities, functions and gatherings leading up to the Opening of the 30th SEA Games in 2019. (Cherie Joyce V. Flores/PIA 3)

“Our hosting of this biennial event comes at a time when the government has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development program. From our seamless network of highways that traverse the plains of Central Luzon to the Clark International Airport to the world class facilities the we erected for this games (in New Clark City), we can confidently claim that the Philippines is indeed ready to become a regional hub of international sporting events,” the cabinet official furthered.

“This is also a time for the Philippines to show the rest of the world the warm Filipino hospitality and our drive to excel in various fields of sports. It is indeed a chance for our athletes to compete and at the same time forge lasting friendships with their counterparts from other countries,” Medialdea said.

A time honored tradition of the SEA Games, the Philippines as host country leads the Countdown Ceremony to signal the start of a series of activities, functions and gatherings leading up to the Opening of the 30th SEA Games in 2019.