The accomplishments of Filipino athletes during the country's successful staging of the 30th Southeast Asian Games last December will not be forgotten.
And the inspiration behind the establishment of the National Academy of Sports will greatly help members of the national squad in their quest for glory.
President Rodrigo Duterte discussed these during his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday at the Batasang Pambansa
Duterte spoke about the achievements of Filipino athletes, who made the host nation proud after winning the overall SEA Games championship with 149 gold medals, 117 silvers and 121 bronze medals in last year’s biennial meet.
“With the commitment of key members of congress, the executive department, the Phisgoc (Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee) or the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, we were bound together with one ambition to host the 30th Southeast Asian Games,” said Duterte.
He also commended the unity among Southeast Asian nations during the games before coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic struck.
“Our athletes prevailed, [but] more than that we fostered pride, partriotism, genuine, sportsmanship and camaraderie in our Southeast Asian brothers and sisters. Indeed, we won as one,” said Duterte, a staunch supporter of the national athletes since the start of his administration four years ago.
Before his speech about the SEA Games' successful hosting, the President also discussed his appreciation on the passing of the law establishing the National Academy of Sports.
The academy is set to be built at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
“I appreciate the law establishing the national academy of sports. We can now give our deserving student-athletes the training and the support they need to excel in their chosen field of endeavor,” Duterte said.