DARWIN, Australia – Pormal na magbubukas ngayong gabi ang 2019 Arafura Games kung saan 91 atleta ang kakatawan sa Filipinas sa kompetisyon.
Si Muay athlete Philip Delarmino, silver medalist sa 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, ang magiging flag bearer para sa bansa sa opening ceremony na gaganapin sa Darwin Waterfront.
Ang PH delegation ay dumating dito noong Miyerkoles matapos ang four-hour trip via Philippine Airlines chartered flight mula Manila. Ang mga atletang Pinoy ay sasabak sa siyam sa 17 sports na lalaruin sa biennial competition.
Ang delegasyon ay sinalubong ni Consul General John Rivas at ng ilang Pinoy na nagtatrabaho bilang volunteers para sa Games na magbabalik matapos ang eight-year hiatus.
Sinabi ni Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) national training director Marc Velasco, ang deputy chef de mission ng Philippine contingent dito, na nakahanda na ang mga atleta na makipagbakbakan dito sa Australian City na matatagpuan sa Northern Territory.
“The delegation is upbeat,” wika ni Velasco. “They are very excited. I think it’s an advantage that we went on a chartered flight kasi they got to see kung sino ‘yung ibang tiga-Team Philippines. Last night, they were talking to each other which is a good sign that they will support each other.”
Dagdag pa ni Velasco, pinayagan ng chartered flight ang ibang koponan na magsanay, ilang oras matapos silang dumating dito.
“We saw a few teams doing their training and practice. It’s good to see them that they have time to practice before the games at hindi sila ipit at pagod especially with the flight. I think we have a good chance to give a good performance in the Arafura Games,” ani Velasco.
Pinasalamatan din ni Velasco ang Filipino community na sumusuporta sa kanila sa pagbibigay ng pagkain, laundry powder, at iba pang bagay na magagamit ng buong delegasyon.
“The athletes feel their presence (Filipino community). They are very warm in giving support. The athletes are overwhelmed with the support na binigay dito.”
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