By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Organizers promised to mount a spectacular opening ceremony that is almost equal to Olympic standards with Chinese flavor as Cambodia becomes the regional sporting hub for the next two weeks with the staging of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games here.
The formal ceremonies will be held Friday, May 5, at the Morodok Techo Stadium – a state-of-the art sporting building built and paid for by China that can accommodate 60,000 fans as Cambodia promises a festive atmosphere as they host the biennial meet for the first time in history.
As of Thursday, May 4, organizers have yet to release the program but it is expected that host’s top officials are going to be present.
Presentations are also expected to revolve on this edition’s slogan, “Sports: Live in Peace.”
The ceremony will have the traditional parade of athletes, general oath-taking, the lighting of the Games torch, cultural presentations and a fireworks display.
Cambodia is so eager and delighted to host the Games that its government announced last month that it would cover the expenses for all 11 participating nations. This includes transportation, accommodation and meals.
Organizers also offered free tickets to all sports, even the broadcasting rights, making it the first host country to cover all expenses for participating countries.
Seven locations in the capital city of Phnom Penh will also broadcast the opening ceremony on giant LED screens, with hopes of not only promoting sports but also boosting the country’s tourism in the post-Covid pandemic era.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Bambol Tolentino and Team PH Chief of Mission Chito Loyzaga will head the delegation during the parade of athletes, which will feature an all-female group that include swimmer Chloe Isleta, sprinter Kristina Knott, basketball dribblers Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos, billiards cue artists Chezka Centeno and Rubilen Amit, to name a few – another first in SEAG history.
PH women’s volleyball team captain Alyssa Valdez will be the country’s flag-bearer.
Cambodia formally acknowledged the members of Team Philippines during the Team Welcome Ceremony Wednesday, May 3, with Deputy Chief of Mission Paolo Tancontian representing the delegation in the flag-raising rites also at the Morodok Techo Stadium.
Action already unfolded in various events for the past few days with Filipinos already assured of medals in chess ouk chaktrang and obstacle race events.
