NEW Clark City—The 30th Southeast Asian Games came to a close on Wednesday night at the world-class Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
And what a way to close what is now etched in sports history as the biggest SEA Games ever and more important, the best performance ever by Team Philippines.
Unity was the theme of the ceremony that was witnessed by thousands of Filipino fans, members of the SEA Games work force and volunteers, and athletes and coaches.
Lively performances, highlighted by world-class acts Arnel Pineda and Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas, made the crowd stand on their feet and dance to party music.
The parade of athletes was iconic. Surfer turned hero, Roger Casugay, carried the country’s colors and was later hailed Fair Play Athlete of the Games.
Joining Team Philippines in the closing ceremony were Philippine Sports Commission Chairman and Chef de Mission William Ramirez, Commissioners Ramon Fernandez and Charles Maxey, Deputy Chef de Mission Stephen Fernandez and polo player Rep. Mikee Romero.
A fireworks display lit the sky above the 20,000-seat stadium and the cauldron that was pelted with controversy ahead of the Games was extinguished as the SEA Games Federation flag changed hands from the Philippines to 2021 host Vietnam.
“The Philippines has the longest Christmas and holiday season in the world. This time, Christmas has come early. Filipinos have shown the world na kaya natin,” Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano said as he addressed the ceremony.
“We are here to celebrate unity. Sports have brought people to play and win as one,” POC President Abraham Tolentino said.
Swimmers Zheng Wen of Singapore and Nguyen Thi Anh Vien of Vietnam, who both scooped six gold medals each, were named Games MVPs.
Image credits: AP/Tatan Syuflana, AP