The 23rd (also known as the '''2005 SEA Games''') was a biannual
Multi-sport Event held in the
Philippines from
November 27 ,
2005 to
December 5 ,
2005 . The games were participated by the 11 countries located in
Southeast Asia .
Events in
Men's Football were started before the opening ceremony, on
November 20 . The
Water Polo events began on
November 21 ,
Women's Football on
November 23 ,
Sailing on
November 26 and
Tennis on November 26.
The first gold medal of the games was awarded to
Singapore on November 25 when the
Water Polo team came out unbeaten in the
Round-robin tournaments, with the
Philippine Team taking the silver medal and the
Malaysian team the bronze.
The Games were also considered both a spectacular event and a valuable opportunity for athletes to gain competition experience and preparation for the upcoming
Asian Games and
Olympic Games . It was purposely created to strengthen friendship, solidarity and understanding among neighboring countries in the region.
This was the third SEA Games to be hosted by the
Philippines , the last two were held in 1981 (see
1981 Southeast Asian Games ) and 1991 (see
1991 Southeast Asian Games ). Although centered around the capital city of
Manila , the logistical huddles required the unusual step of spreading the events across the country in ten other cities. This arrangement was not seen favourably by other participating countries who anticipate travel and accommodation problems in particular, a worry which was confirmed soon after their arrival.
(''Host nation highlighted.'')
There were 1461
Medal s awarded. 444 of which were
Gold Medal s, 434 were
Silver Medal s and 583 were
Bronze Medal s.
''Gilas'' (Elegance) is a
Philippine Eagle . It is one of the world's largest eagles, distinct for the majestic plumage on top of its head. The eagle is a symbol of elegance, strength and pride. It captures the winning spirit of all the participating athletes. ''Gilas'' was inspired by the
Filipino words ''Maliksi'' (agile), ''Malakas'' (strong), ''Matalino'' (smart), ''Mataas'' (high), and ''Matalas'' (sharp).
The mascot was supposed to be a Philippine
Tarsier until the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PhilSOC) changed it to its current mascot.
The 2005 SEA Games Logo uses the festival mask similar to those found in most Southeast Asian countries. It represents the many different cultures that will come together for the Games. At the same time the mask captures the exuberant spirit and hospitality of the Filipinos. The logo was inspired by the ''
Masskara Festival '' held annually in
Bacolod City , one of the satellite venues of the event.
The logo was designed by Filipino freelance graphic designer Joel Manalastas.
The games' theme is ''"One Heritage, One Southeast Asia"''. The theme emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation to meet a common goal and aspiration. The games' hymn is ''"We're All Just One"''. in
Manila for the Southeast Asian Games.]]
The hymn was composed by singer-composer
Jose Mari Chan and lyricist Rene Nieva. It was sung by nine-year-old Filipina soprano Julia Abueva, granddaughter of Philippine national artist
Napoleon Abueva and
University Of The Philippines President Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman, and played by the
San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of
Ryan Cayabyab .
The organizing body for the Games is the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PhilSOC). The last time the Philippines hosted the SEA Games was 14 years ago, in
1991 .
Preparations of the host country for the SEA Games have been criticized both locally and in the region. The ten visiting nations have experienced logistical problems, particularly with accommodation and transport.
{Link without Title} In addition, while the venues outside
Manila have actively prepared for welcoming the visiting athletes, organizers in the capital have had numerous problems drumming up widespread support and exposure for the SEA Games. Among the only visible indications of the Games apart from the commercial sponsors' advertisements are the welcome banners put up by the city government of Manila.
See Also: 2005 Southeast Asian Games Opening Ceremony
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