SEA Games open in Manila with colourful welcome for athletes
MANILA : The 23rd edition of the Southeast Asian Games opened on Sunday with a colourful welcome for the region’s top athletes.
The cultural and musical gala was held at Manila’s Rizal Park, the first time in SEA Games history that the opening ceremony is not at a stadium.
The biannual Games kicked off with a show of unity in diversity with the theme “One Heritage. One South East Asia”.
The ceremony opened with the arrival of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Then it was the turn of sporting heroes past and present at the Parade of Philippine flags.
South East Asian Tribes were summoned to the arena followed by the Parade of Athletes from the 11 participating countries.
President Arroyo herself declared the Games open.
Embodying the message of unity in song, Singapore-based Julia Roman-Abueva delighted the crowd with her rendition of “We’re All Just One”, the theme song for the 23rd SEA Games.
It was a double celebration for Julia who turns 10 this very day.
Filipino Taekwondo champion, Marie Antoinette Rivero, had the honour of lighting the Sacred Fire.
Apart from the top notch athletes and high calibre performances, the 23rd SEA Games will perhaps be remembered for Royalty and Rebellion.
Members of the region’s royal houses and Philippine Muslim separatist leaders were among the invited guests.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front leaders attended the opening ceremony as a sign of goodwill to President Arroyo’s invitation.
Security was extra tight for attending dignitaries.
Among the blue bloods were Brunei’s Prince Sufri Bolkiah, and Thai crown prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The Thai crown prince’s daughter, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, will be competing in badminton.
Capping the night - an extravagant show of fusion pyrotechnics with local band River Maya rocking together with the breathtaking fireworks over Manila Bay. - CNA /ch
