Philippine sports in years to come .”
“ In behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte , I urge you to show our world-renowned Filipino fighting spirit . Our people ’ s ability to rise from the grave . Our pride to be to be Filipinos ,” Ramirez said .
“ I am very excited for our Filipino athletes heading to Kuala Lumpur for the SEA Games ” C o j u a n g c o - J a w o r s k i , beauteous daughter of the
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POC president and herself a noted athlete being a gold medallist in the 2002 Asian Games in equestrian , for her part , quipped .
“ Every big event like this , is an opportunity for us to bring honor to God , our beloved country and our families . Let ’ s set our goals high ,” she added . “ Manalig tayo sa Panginoon at ialay and lahat sa Kanya . Mabuhay ang Atletang Pilipino !”
To motivate the athletes ,
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the wife of basketball superstar Robert “ Dudut ” Jaworski , son of local cagedom ’ s living legend Robert “ Jawo ,” reminded her fellow athletes of the memory of Denmark ’ s Lis Hartel who overcame , battled and conquered the effect of paralysis to become the first woman to win a silver medal in the dressage event of equestrian during the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki
The SEA Games , or , for
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that matter , the Asian Games and the Olympic Games , according to Carrasco , who is also the president of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines , is an opportunity for the youths of the world to gather in the “ spirit of friendship and learn the importance of values that transcend differences in nationality , geography and culture .”
“ It is in these international competitions
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where athletes show the importance of sports in the nations ’ mandate to build a healthy and strong citizenry ,” Carrasco emphasized . “ The athletes ’ stories , their struggle to excel teach us great lessons in human courage and perseverance . This showcasing of human spirit is what makes sports appealing to everyone , not just for all of us who love it .” |