Thank you, volunteers!
FULL POINT By Nimrod Quiñones
The Freeman 11/26/2005

I am writing this column just a few hours before Cebu officially opens its hosting of six events for the 23rd Southeast Asian Games. While the thrill of a grand opening is building up behind me here at the Cebu City Sports Center, I'd like to point out some good things that might not get much chance to see print in the next few days.

With the triumphs and defeats of athletes about to take centerstage, the very people, who have helped make all of this happen might, might be forgotten for good.

I am referring to the volunteers, who are going out of their way to offer their services and even material belongings like vehicles as their share in helping ensure the success of the 23rd SEA Games in Cebu.

These volunteers come from all ages and all shapes and sizes and are sharing their time and talent.

There are even those who just stepped forward and asked what they can do to help. There are many similar stories that can fill volumes, so this early, I'd like to express my personal thanks to all of them as a member of the Cebu organizing committee.

Being a volunteer for the SEA Games myself, I know how it feels to rush from one place to another just to get things done. In fact, I have to split my time to attend to my duties and head of the Press and Publicity Committee and as managing editor of The FREEMAN for the duration of the SEA Games. How I will do that will be something I must also figure out, but it is definitely doable.

Many others here also have their own work and their own lives to live. Some have their businesses to run, but they have given their extra time for the SEA Games and for Cebu.

The past several months, I came to know many people who have also been working to make the SEA Games happen and I would say that it is an honor to be among such hardworking people.

The SEA Games has just started and there are still many things that ought to be done until this closes on December 5. Many others may not have been officially accredited as volunteers, but that does not mean you are not supposed to be helpful to our visitors from around the country and abroad.

Let's do it for our country! Let's do it for Cebu!