MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines will not see action until tomorrow when diver Natassia Naluz and hurdler Alvin Bandian and its 3-on-3 basketball and bowling squads open Team RP’s campaign in the first Asian Youth Games which got under way in Singapore yesterday.
Forty three countries and around 1,000 athletes are seeing action in the nine-day sportsfest for 14-to-17 years old athletes, hoping to set standards in their respective fields for spots in next year’s Youth Olympic Games.
The Games officially kicked off last night in festive celebration despite the influenza A(H1N1) virus scare that forced a member-country to withdraw its participation on the eve of the competition.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Education decided not to send the rest of its contingent to the Games due to the flu scare although Malaysian officials said they will not withdraw their football and sailing teams, which arrived in Singapore ahead of the rest of the contingent.
Cagebelle Danica Therese Jose was RP’s flag bearer while high jumper Joaquin Vincent Ferrer was one of the torch-bearers in the opening rites that also showcased the rich culture of the island city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was the guest of honor while Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Amad Al Fahad Al Sabah declared the games open in rites highlighted by songs and dances by some 400 pupils from primary schools.
The opening day rest has given the RP youths sufficient time to prepare for their respective events with the bowlers hoping to perform well in the morning elims of the boys and girls singles and gain a crack at the gold medal in the afternoon finals.