The Philippines, through the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local government of Marikina City, officially opened the 6th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) at the Marikina Sports Complex, November 30.
Education 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.”
“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,” he adds.
Luistro also said that ASG seeks to promote ASEAN solidarity among the youth through school sports and provide opportunities for school athletes to engage in cultural exchange.
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.”
The education chief 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.”
“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,” Luistro added.
Some 1,500 student athletes from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines will compete with each other in the 11 sports included in the ASG. The sporting event is until December 7.
The venues for each sporting event are Marikina Sports Center for Athletics, Volleyball, Tennis, and Swimming; Trevvi Subdivision for Badminton; Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College for Sepak Takraw; St. Scholastica’s Academy for Wushu; Marikina Convention Center for Table Tennis; Marist School for Basketball; Rizal Stadium for Gymnastics; and Valley Golf and Country Club for Golf.
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