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Medialdea tells SEAG athletes Duterte "is behind you"

The attendees of the SEA Games Athletes' General Assembly take a photo together. PSC
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--President Rodrigo Duterte, through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, reiterated that he will fully support the national athletes that will compete in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games.

“I just want to relay to you the support of our president. He is behind you para sa SEAG!” Medialdea told more than 500 athletes who attended the athletes' general assembly at the PhilSports Arena on Friday.

Medialdea's presence marked the first time ever that an executive secretary was in the building for such an event.

Other special guests in the said assembly were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez and commissioners Celia Kiram, Arnold Agustin, Charles Maxey, and Mon Fernandez and national team legends Elma Posadas and Onyok Velasco.

“It means a lot to feel and see the government’s care for sports,” said Ramirez.

Posadas, the Philippine's queen of athletics during the 90's, added that the current national team players are blessed to have a president who has full support of them like Duterte.

"Napakapalad ninyo kasi si presidente 100 percent ang suporta," Posadas said.

Medialdea and Posadas then called on the athletes to strive hard in their pursuit of the gold in the SEA Games from Nov. 30-Dec. 11.

"Let us win as one and patuloy natin itaguyod and ating bansa sa larangan ng sports," said Medialdea.

"Andito tayo sa bansa natin kaya lalong galingan natin. Patay kung patay," added Posadas.

Velasco, however, has one quick reminder.

"Importante ang disiplina," said the former Olympic silver medalist for boxing.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno