‘Sports can fight drugs, build goodwill’—Cayetano
ANGELES CITY— Philippine Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) Organizing Committee Chairperson Alan Peter Cayetano stressed the role of sports in bringing positive transformation in the community.
During the One-Year Countdown to 2019 SEA Games held at the Bayanihan Park, Cayetano said sports participation prevents drug use among the youth.
“How many of us are caught in the problems in our nations especially of drugs and instead of saying, ‘Don’t do drugs,’we’re telling them alternatives and sports is one thing that can fight drugs,”the official said.
“Athletes sacrifice eating delicious food. They sacrifice sleeping late and going to parties. So definitely, drugs are out when you’re into sports,” he added.
Cayetano also said sports is one of the best kinds of diplomacy among neighboring count r i es.
“Sportsmanship, camaraderie, brotherhood, sisterhood and building goodwill are all essential in transforming into a strong community,” he said.
He noted the importance of coming together of the Southeast Asian countries for the 30th SEA Games which proves strong relationship and unity among other nations.
“Sixty years ago in 1958, the games were conceptualize. The next year, six countries came together with the hope and aspirations of fostering friendship and a sense of community,” he furthered.
The 30th SEA Games will be held from November 30December 11, 2019. A total of 9,840 athletes from 11 countries will compete in 529 events of 56 sports. There are 47 venues in 3 competition hubs namely Clark, Subic and Metro Manila.
It carries the theme “We Win as One” which encapsulates unity, togetherness, and singularity of purpose and the desire to work together in a diverse community to achieve peace, progress and i ncl usi vi t y.
— Mar Jay S. Delas Alas/ PI A-3