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Inaugural Address: Celebrating Unity and Perseverance at SEATRA CUP 2024
Jul
“The SEA Trail Running Cup marks a new beginning in our sport and each and every one of you is making history here. You are also holding a torch for the future development of our beloved sport. You are a true trailblazer.” Janet Ng, President of the International Trail Running Association at the Opening Ceremonies.
Address at Opening Ceremony of SEATRC 2024 on June 21, 2024 in Bontoc, Mountain Province.
Mr Erlindo Aguilan, Mr Franklin Odsey,, Mayor Jerome Tudlong, fellow guests and athletes:
I left my house inside the Sai Kung country park in Hong Kong yesterday morning at 7.30 am. After 17 hours of travel, I finally arrived in Bontoc just before 2 am this morning.
This journey is long but it is nothing compared to your journey here. Months and years of training, often in hot and humid conditions, I can only imagine the blood and sweat, hard work, perseverance and sacrifices you made to be on the start line.
I am truly proud of each and every one of you.
When Tin Ferrera mentioned to me the idea of the SEA Trail Running Cup last year and the coming together of a group of trail running bodies from 8 countries in Southeast Asia to hold a trail running cup, I thought what a wonderful and meaningful idea. But my cautious mind also foresees a huge number of obstacles along the way.
Therefore, the realisation of this common dream is a testament of the ability to overcome adversity and achieve great goals together. Here I wish the confederacy and the local organizing committee every success in the holding of this meaningful cup.
The SEA Trail Running Cup marks a new beginning in our sport and each and every one of you is making history here. You are also holding a torch for the future development of our beloved sport. You are a true trailblazer.
Apart from racing, please treasure this opportunity to connect and build friendships with your fellow runners. It is peace, love and understanding that bring us and bind us together while we pursue excellence in our sport.
I’m sure you will carry the values of our sport – of respect for oneself, of each other and the environment; of fair-play, equality and humility – when you race in the coming days.
Have a great race. Please look after each other and run to the best of your ability. Show yourself and the world what you are capable of!
Thank you.
Janet Ng
Janet Ng also joined the OPEN CATEGORY of Tawid Mountain Marathon and finished first in the 50 and Above Female AG category.
