DND fetes soldier-athletes in SEA Games

FILE: A drone show highlights the theme “We Win As One” at the closing ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac on Wednesday (Dec. 11, 2019). (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

MANILA — Soldier-athletes who participated in the just-concluded 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games were formally awarded for their efforts, which contributed 54 medals for the Philippine delegation.

The awards were presented by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during a thanksgiving ceremony held at the Dimalupig Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.

The 160 soldier-athletes were given the Secretary of National Defense’s Service Medal.

Among the medals contributed by the soldier-athletes were 26 golds, 15 silvers, and 13 bronzes.

These were for arnis; athletics; baseball; boxing; cycling; kurash (judo); Muaythai; obstacle course racing; rowing; sailing; sepak takraw; shooting; softball; soft tennis; taekwondo; water polo; weightlifting; and wrestling.

Meanwhile, coaches were also awarded the Military Achievement Medal for their outstanding performance and services in the SEA Games.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Noel Clement, who graced the event, expressed his gratitude to the soldier-athletes and coaches for their dedication and love for sports.

“To all the soldier athletes and coaches, the dedication and the love for sports that you have shown were truly astonishing and inspiring.

Your mastery of your craft and professionalism brought you to where you are now – a winner, a champion, truly pride of our country,” Clement said.

He also expressed the military’s heartfelt gratitude to the emergency preparedness and response teams, AFP security forces and reservist volunteers deployed to different venues for their “priceless efforts for the whole duration of the SEA Games.”

“For dedicating your time and energy to fill in the gaps and address the needs of the athletes, audience, organizers, thank you for doing it for your country, thank you for doing it for your fellow Filipinos. Congratulations as well. You too made us all proud,” Clement said.

About 1,000 personnel from the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) were also deployed as security, emergency preparedness and response teams to various events held within the Luzon region.

Also present in the ceremony were delegates of the DND, Office of the Civil Defense, Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee, and PNP, as well as senior AFP officers.

“I thank you all for coming today.

This celebration is for all of you. Allow yourself to bask in that deep sense of pride and honor, bathe in that glorious feeling of fulfillment, and indulge in that splendid pleasure of celebrating something that no one can take away from you – your genuine love for your country,” Clement said.