Torch run, light show mark SEAG start in Clarkfield, Pampanga

By Nick Giongco

CLARKFIELD, Pampanga—Top members of Team Philippines grabbed the spotlight on Saturday when the Torch Run—the final event marking the unofficial start of the 30th Southeast Asian Games—got off the ground at the entrance of the freeport zone that once was a premier US Air Force Base.

Fun runners numbering 2,500, all of them residents of Angeles City and neighboring Mabalacat, answered the starting gun for the 5k event.

After the symbolic lighting of the flame near the SEAG Clocktower, volleyball player Majoy Baron carried the torch and proceeded to the starting point where the enthusiastic runners had gathered.

The lighting was led by Pampanga vice-governor Lilia Pineda, who was also joined by Angeles City mayor Carmelo ‘Pogi’ Lazatin, Mabalacat mayor Crisostomo Garbo and Grammy Award-winning rapper  and Angeles City native Apl.de.ap.

Vince Dizon, who heads the Bases Conversion Development Authority, led the list of luninaries who graced the event as he reminded the audience that “everthing that we are doing is for the national athletes.”

Other national athletes who lent their time include Cheska Altomonte of softball, Tani Gomez Jr. if water polo and Jasmine Alkhaldi of swimming as they assisted in the lighting of the flame.

Just before the run ended,  a flashy light show had everyone in awe.

Hostilities kick off Sunday with water polo being staged in Calatagan, Batangas. On Monday it will be the turn of floorball, football and netball.

Officially, the SEAG will commence on Nov. 30 with the opening rites happening at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

The Philippines is bidding to win the overall crown so it could match its previous feat when it was the host in 2005.

There will be 56 sports and 530 gold medals up for grabs in the biennial sportsfest that runs until Dec. 11.

Source: Manila Bulletin