Tagaytay City, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, was recently chosen to host the torch relay for the upcoming 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. This historic event will see the young athletes of Southeast Asia gather together to showcase their skills, determination, and sportsmanship in various competitions. And Tagaytay City was chosen not only because of its stunning natural beauty but also because of its long-standing commitment to promoting sports and healthy lifestyles. In this article, we will explore why Tagaytay City was chosen as the host for the SEA Games torch relay, what this means for the city, and what visitors can expect from this exciting event.
With only 39 days left before the 32nd Southeast Asian Games officially starts on May 5th in Cambodia, the biennial meet’s spirit was felt as Tagaytay City played host to a ceremonial Torch Relay on Monday. The event served as a prelude to the upcoming games and saw participation from Cambodia’s tourism minister Hor Sarun, Cambodian Ambassador to the Philippines Phan Peuv, and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, among others.
The relay featured athletes from various sports disciplines, including cycling, taekwondo, football, kickboxing, and boxing. Philippine Paralympic Committee head Mike Barredo, Commissioner Walter Torres of the Philippine Sports Commission, and Team Philippines’ chef de mission to the Cambodia SEA Games Chito Loyzaga also graced the occasion.
Tolentino warmly welcomed the SEA Games Torch, saying: “Just like in our SEA Games hosting in 2019, we value this celebration not only for sports but for peace and camaraderie in the region.”
The relay started near the Tagaytay City BMX and Skate Park at Delos Reyes Avenue before traversing Mahogany Road and returning to the starting point via Isaac Tolentino Avenue.
The Torch Relay took place a few weeks before the SEA Games, which is expected to run from May 5th to 17th in Phnom Penh. The Philippines will send 840 athletes, a slightly reduced number from POC’s initial plan of a 905-strong delegation.
Cambodia began the Torch Relay last Wednesday at the World Heritage Site Angkor Wat, passing the flame to Vietnam, which hosted the previous edition of the SEA Games, and finally to the Philippines prior to travelling on to Brunei, Timor Leste, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.
The SEA Games is the largest multi-sport event in Southeast Asia, with participants from the 11 countries in the region competing in over 50 sports. The competitions are held every two years and have been ongoing since the inaugural event in Bangkok in 1959.
This event’s theme is “Sports Live Together, Prosper Together,” emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration, as well as healthy competition. It is one of the most significant sporting events in the region, providing a platform to showcase excellent athletic performance, inspire athletes to achieve greatness, form new relationships, and create lasting memories.
The Torch Relay serves as a symbol of hope, unity, and the beginning of a new sporting era, as it passes through different nations and builds excitement for the main event. The relay represents the spirit of the SEA Games, and it is a cherished tradition that has been maintained over the years.
The Torch Relay is an exciting opportunity to showcase the beauty and diversity of the host country and provide visitors with a glimpse into its culture and traditions. Each host country aims to put its unique spin on the tradition, ensuring that the ceremony is always memorable.
As the countdown to the SEA Games continues, excitement builds throughout the region. Athletes are preparing to give it their all, and fans and supporters are eager to cheer them on. The Torch Relay serves as a reminder of the values that unite the region and the significance of the games in promoting cooperation and goodwill between neighboring countries.
In conclusion, the SEA Games Torch Relay is a symbolic event that ignites the spirit of the Southeast Asian Games, promoting peace, unity, and healthy competition in the region. The SEA Games are a testament to the region’s commitment to promoting excellence in sports, and the Torch Relay is a cherished tradition that captures the essence of the games. The upcoming SEA Games promises to be a spectacular event, with exciting competitions and inspiring performances on display. The countdown to May 5th continues, and sports fans across the region will undoubtedly be eagerly waiting to see what the games have in store.
