The 6th ASEAN Schools Games is officially opened today at Marikina Sports Complex with a theme "One ASEAN, One Vision, One Community of Champions", spare headed by the Secretary of Department of Education Br. Armin Luistro, FSC and the local government of Marikina City headed by Mayor Del De Guzman.
The Philippines is this year's host for the ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) which is happen every year since 2009, an sporting event among schools from different ASEAN countries. To promote camaraderie, friendship and cultural exchange within ASEAN.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that ASG plays an important role in solidifying ASEAN ties. He said, “This display of solidarity among nations proves that neither borders nor cultural barriers are hindrances to the development and further camaraderie among ASEAN countries and this ASG is not a mere sporting event but a parade of culture among participating countries. We dare learn from each other. We learn that differences allow us to enjoy and appreciate the various treasures in each of our cultures."
DepEd Secretary also lauded all the student athletes present at the opening ceremonies, saying, “We continue to applaud all of our athletes. We ask you to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and the future of ASEAN is all gathered here in Marikina City. I have no doubt that the best student athletes from the ASEAN countries are here tonight.”
Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman said, “The ASG promises an opportunity among ASEAN youth through sports, and for school athletes to interact and engage in cultural exchange within ASEAN. Hosting this particular sporting event is a first for Marikina City and the Philippines.”
Some 1,500 student athletes from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and the Philippines will compete with each other in the 11 sports included in the ASG. The sporting event is until December 7.
Marikina, the host city, also announced the venues for each sporting event and that includes Marikina Sports Center (Sta. Elena,Marikina) for Athletics, Volleyball, Tennis, and Swimming; Trevi Subdivision (Nangka, Marikina) for Badminton; Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College (Concepcion I, Marikina) for Sepak Takraw; St. Scholastica’s Academy (Marikina Heights, Marikina) for Wushu; Marikina Convention Center (Concepcion II, Marikina) for Table Tennis; Marist School (Marikina Heights, Marikina) for Basketball; Rizal Stadium (Malate, Manila) for Gymnastics; and Valley Golf and Country Club (Antipolo) for Golf.
ASEAN Schools Games is one sporting event that you should miss to watch or introduce to your children. The Admission is FREE, just check out this album I posted on my Facebook page HERE and look for the photos which I took at the bulletin board for the schedule. See you there :)
