2019 SEA Games facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
XXX Southeast Asian Games

Host city	Various (See below)
Motto	"We Win as One"
Nations	11
Athletes	5,630
Events	530 in 56 sports (63 disciplines)
Opening	30 November 2019
Closing	11 December 2019
Opened by	Rodrigo Duterte President of the Philippines
Closed by	Salvador Medialdea Executive Secretary of the Philippines
Athlete's Oath	Francesca Altomonte
Judge's Oath	Daren Vitug
Torch lighter	Manny Pacquiao Nesthy Petecio
Main venue	Philippine Arena (opening ceremony) New Clark City Athletics Stadium (closing ceremony)
← Kuala Lumpur 2017 Hanoi 2021 →

The 2019 Southeast Asian Games, also known as the 30th SEA Games, was a big sports event held in the Philippines from November 30 to December 11, 2019. Some sports even started a bit earlier, on November 24. This event happens every two years and brings together athletes from Southeast Asian countries.

What made these Games special? They were spread out across 23 cities in the Philippines, mainly on the island of Luzon. This was the fourth time the Philippines hosted the Games, and the first time since 2005. It was also the first time that new sports like esports, obstacle course racing, and surfing were included. In fact, these Games had the most sports ever, with a total of 56!

The Philippines did really well, winning the overall championship for the first time in 14 years. They even broke their own record for the most medals won, which they set in 2005. Vietnam and Thailand came in second and third. Many new game and national records were set during the event. The Games were seen as a big success, showing how much sports in Southeast Asia are improving.

Two athletes were named Most Valuable Players (MVPs): Quah Zheng Wen from Singapore for the male athletes, and Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên from Vietnam for the female athletes. Both won six gold medals and two silver medals. A special fair play award went to Roger Casugay for saving another competitor's life.

Choosing the Host Country

The job of hosting the SEA Games usually rotates among the member countries. Each country gets a turn in a specific year, but they can choose not to host if they can't.

Originally, Brunei was supposed to host the 2017 Games. However, they decided to host in 2019 instead, to have more time to get ready. But then, in June 2015, Brunei pulled out of hosting the 2019 Games too. They said they didn't have enough sports facilities, places for athletes to stay, or time to prepare their own athletes.

How the Philippines Became Host

Giovanni Gulanes, a sports coordinator, talked about Davao del Norte wanting to host the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in July 2016.

After Brunei stepped down, the Philippines showed interest in hosting the Games. Vietnam, which was set to host in 2021, was also asked but said no. So, on July 10, 2015, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) announced that the Philippines would host the Games. Cities like Davao City and Manila were considered the main host cities.

However, in July 2017, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said they would stop supporting the hosting of the Games. This was because the government wanted to use the money for rebuilding Marawi, a city that was badly damaged by fighting. It was also reported that the POC wanted to control everything about the Games, which led to the PSC pulling its support.

But in August 2017, the Philippines confirmed it would still host the Games. This happened after the POC president, Peping Cojuangco, asked then-President Rodrigo Duterte to change his mind.

Cojuangco said the Games would be held in the Central Luzon area, including Bulacan, Pampanga, and Zambales. The Philippine Arena in Bocaue was likely to be used. In January 2018, it was announced that organizers would try to hold all events outside Manila. New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, Subic, and Bulacan would be the main host areas.

Handover Ceremony

During the closing ceremony of the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the SEA Games flag was passed from the Malaysian Olympic Committee to the Philippine Olympic Committee. This was a symbolic moment showing that the Philippines would host the next Games.

Unlike other closing ceremonies, the Philippines only showed a short video promoting tourism. They didn't have a big show for the handover. One reason given was the high cost of a grand ceremony.

Getting Ready for the Games

Alan Peter Cayetano was the chairman of the organizing committee for the Games.

The organizing committee for the 2019 SEA Games was set up differently from past Games. Alan Peter Cayetano, who was the Foreign Affairs Secretary at the time, became the chairman of the organizing committee.

Officials from different sports groups in the Philippines were chosen as competition managers. They were in charge of making sure everything was ready for their specific sport, like finding venues and equipment.

Costs and Tickets

The Games cost about 7.5 billion Philippine pesos (around US$147 million). Most of this money came from the government, with some also from sponsors.

Tickets for the opening ceremony and some events were sold through SM Tickets. At first, all events were planned to have a fee. But close to the opening ceremony, many people asked for tickets to be free. So, on November 29, 2019, President Duterte ordered that tickets for most sporting events be made free. Only basketball, football, and volleyball tickets were still sold because they were already sold out. Tickets for the closing ceremony were also given out for free.

Transportation

Organizers worked with the Department of Transportation to plan how athletes and visitors would get around. They bought or rented many vehicles, including buses, cars, and vans. Even three self-driving electric vehicles were used in New Clark City to transport people.

Volunteers

A volunteer program was started in April 2019 to help organize the Games. They aimed for 12,000 volunteers. About 9,000 people were chosen from over 20,000 who wanted to help. These volunteers were spread across the different host areas like Clark, Subic, and Metro Manila.

Medals

The medals for the 2019 SEA Games were designed by Filipino artist Daniel dela Cruz. He also designed the torch. The medals featured a "layag" (sail) from Filipino boats and sea waves, representing the Philippine islands. The back of the medal showed the sports facilities in New Clark City.

The gold medals were made of 24-karat gold-plated material. The bronze medals were a "rose gold" color instead of the usual brown. The ribbons holding the medals had traditional Filipino patterns. Winners also received a wooden box, flowers, and cute stuffed toys of the mascot, Pami.

Torch

The torch run for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Cebu, November 16, 2019.

The official torch was also designed by Daniel dela Cruz. It was inspired by the sampaguita, the Philippines' national flower. The design also included parts that looked like the sun's rays from the Philippine flag, symbolizing "unity, independence, and equality." The torch weighed about 1.5 kilograms, making it easy for torch bearers to carry. It was shown to the public on August 23, 2019.

Torch Relay

The torch relay started with a special lighting ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 3, 2019. The flame was then brought to Davao City to begin its journey across the Philippines.

The Philippine part of the relay started in Davao City on October 30, 2019. The second part was in Cebu City on November 16, 2019, with 6,500 runners. The final part was held on November 23, 2019, in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Cauldron

The cauldron at New Clark City Stadium.

The Games' cauldron was a large metal structure, about 12.5 meters (41 feet) tall. It was built outside the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. Boxers Manny Pacquiao and Nesthy Petecio lit it during the opening ceremony on November 30. The lighting was pre-recorded because of a typhoon warning.

The cauldron was designed by Francisco Mañosa, a famous Filipino architect. This was his last project before he passed away.

Venues

The 2019 SEA Games had four main areas for sports events: Clark, Subic, Metro Manila, and "Other Areas." The main center was Clark, specifically the sports complex in New Clark City. Subic was the second main area, and Metro Manila was the third.

The opening ceremony was held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. The closing ceremony took place at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.

Competition Venues

Clark Cluster

The Athletics Stadium in New Clark City Sports Hub hosted athletics and the closing ceremony.

Metro Manila Cluster

The Mall of Asia Arena hosted the 5x5 basketball events.

The PhilSports Arena hosted the indoor volleyball events.

Subic Cluster

The Subic Bay Yacht Club hosted sailing events.

Other Areas

The Biñan Football Stadium hosted women's football and some men's football matches.

Non-Competition Venues

Marketing the Games

Official Launch and Branding

Officials at the launch of the one-year countdown for the Games at Bayanihan Park on November 30, 2018.

The 2019 Southeast Asian Games officially launched with a countdown ceremony at Bayanihan Park in Clark Freeport Zone on November 30, 2018. Representatives from all 11 participating countries were there. At this event, the Games' logo and theme were officially shown for the first time. A 15-meter (49-foot) structure with 11 rings, representing the 11 nations, was lit up. The mascot was also confirmed as official around this time.

Motto

"We Win as One", the official motto of the 2019 games.

The official motto and theme of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games was "We Win as One."

Logo

The logo for the 2019 SEA Games was first shown in August 2018. It featured 11 rings, like those in the Southeast Asian Games Federation logo, shaped like the map of the Philippines. The colors used were red, blue, dark blue, yellow, and green. It became official during the launch ceremony in November 2018. Some people in the Philippines thought the logo could have been more creative.

Mascot

Pami, the official mascot of the games.

The official mascot of the Games was named Pami. This name comes from "pamilya," which is the Filipino word for "family." The organizers said Pami represents all nations, athletes, and people coming together and supporting each other. Pami was described as a joyful character made of squishy, spherical balls. Like the logo and theme, Pami was first shown in Jakarta and then made official at the countdown ceremony.

Theme Songs

Ryan Cayabyab composed the official theme song, which was also called "We Win As One". Floy Quintos wrote the lyrics. The song was officially launched on July 11, 2019, and performed by Lea Salonga. The music video for "We Win as One" was released on September 3, 2019. It was filmed at the New Clark City Sports Hub.

Another song, "Who We Are," was released by Sarah Geronimo. This song was a tribute to the workers and volunteers of the Games. It was often played during medal ceremonies for Filipino winners. Arnel Pineda and the band KO Jones also released "Rock the SEA Games," which was played during competitions and performed at the closing ceremony.

In March 2020, "We Win as One" was remixed into "We Heal As One" to support people during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Philippines. Ryan Cayabyab composed this version too, with new lyrics by Floy Quintos.

Official Attire

The clothing for officials and presenters at the Games was specially designed. Presenters at medal ceremonies wore outfits inspired by traditional Filipino clothes like the Balintawak dress, Barong Tagalog, and Baro't Saya. Different colored polo shirts and jackets were used for various officials and volunteers. Fashion designer Rajo Laurel also created business uniforms.

The Barong Tagalog was the official uniform for Team Philippines during the opening ceremony parade. Asics sponsored the Filipino athletes' training clothes.

Sponsors

Companies could sponsor the 2019 Southeast Asian Games at different levels: Preferred, Gold, and Platinum. Philippine Airlines provided air travel for the delegates. Razer Inc. helped organize the Esports events.

Many companies partnered with the Games. Atos provided the system to manage the Games. GL events from France set up temporary structures at the sports venues. Grand Sport Group provided uniforms for the workers and officials. ASICS supplied the national athletes' kits. Mikasa, Marathon, and Molten provided the official game balls and equipment.

SM Lifestyle, Inc. was the official venue partner, with some major events held at their facilities. NEP Group was the official broadcaster, selling rights to other TV channels. Skyworth was the official television partner. Mastercard sponsored the official mobile app, which allowed users to see schedules, results, and buy tickets.

Standard Insurance Co. Inc. provided insurance for the athletes and officials, covering them for accidents and injuries.

The Games Themselves

Opening Ceremony

The Philippine Arena in Bocaue hosted the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games was held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. This is the world's largest indoor arena. During the ceremony, boxers Manny Pacquiao and Nesthy Petecio lit the cauldron in New Clark City. The lighting was pre-recorded because of a typhoon warning.

The ceremony was inspired by the opening ceremonies of the 2017 SEA Games and the 2018 Winter Olympics. An American company, FiveCurrents, which had worked on other big events, was hired to help local companies plan the show.

Filipino-American artist apl.de.ap from The Black Eyed Peas performed at the opening ceremony. He sang a remix of his group's song with Filipino traditional instruments.

Closing Ceremony

The Athletics Stadium in New Clark City hosted the closing ceremony.

The closing ceremony took place at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium. The Black Eyed Peas performed as a group, along with Arnel Pineda and the Filipino band KO Jones. During the ceremony, the SEA Games flag was passed to Vietnam, the next host country for the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi. A cultural show from Vietnam was presented, giving a preview of what to expect in Hanoi.

Participating Nations

All 11 member countries of the Southeast Asian Games Federation took part in the 2019 SEA Games.

Sports Played

A record 530 events in 56 sports were played at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. This made it the largest SEA Games ever in terms of the number of sports and events.

Initially, 32 sports were agreed upon. Badminton was first left out but was added back after other countries objected. Vovinam was later removed, and polo was included.

Here is a list of the sports played at the Games:

Arnis, a Filipino martial art, was a full sport in the 2019 Games. It was only a demonstration sport in 2005. The Philippines also introduced 3x3 basketball for the first time in the Games' history.

Calendar

OC

Opening ceremony

●

Event competitions

1

Gold medal events

CC

Closing ceremony

		November									December											Events
		22 Fri	23 Sat	24 Sun	25 Mon	26 Tue	27 Wed	28 Thu	29 Fri	30 Sat	1 Sun	2 Mon	3 Tue	4 Wed	5 Thu	6 Fri	7 Sat	8 Sun	9 Mon	10 Tue	11 Wed
Ceremonies										OC											CC	N/A
Aquatics	Diving															2	2					45
	Open Water																			1
	Swimming													7	6	6	7	6	6
	Water Polo					●	●	●	●		2
Archery															●	●	●	5	5			10
Arnis											8	8	4									20
Athletics																2	8	16	11	11		48
Badminton											●	●	1	1	●	●	●	●	5			7
Baseball / Softball	Baseball											●	●	●		●	●	1				3
	Softball											●	●	●	●	●	●	2
Basketball	5x5 Basketball													●	●	●	●	●	●	2		4
	3x3 Basketball										●	2
Billiards													●	●	1	1	1	2	2	3		10
Bowling													2	2	1	2	●	2				9
Boxing														●	●	●		●	13			13
Canoeing	Traditional Boat Racing																3	3				13
	Canoe / Kayak															4	3
Chess												●	2			●	1	2				5
Cycling											2	2			2	1	1	2	1	2		13
Dancesport											14											14
Esports															●	●	●	1	3	2		6
Fencing													2	2	2	2	2	2				12
Floorball					●	●	●	●	●		2											2
Football					●	●	●	●	●		●	●	●	●	●		●	1		1		2
Golf														●	●	2	●	2				4
Gymnastics											1	1	5	5		●	5		3			20
Beach handball																	●	●	●	●	1	1
Indoor hockey														●	●	●	●	●	●	2		2
Ice hockey											●	●	●	●	●	●	●	1				1
Ice skating	Figure skating								●		2											8
	Short track												3	3
Jujitsu																			6	5		11
Judo														2	6	6	2					16
Karate																	4	5	4			13
Kickboxing																	●	●	3	5		8
Kurash											5	5										10
Lawnbowls / Pétanque	Lawn bowls										●	4	●	2								10
	Pétanque											●			2	2
Modern pentathlon															3	2	1					6
Muaythai														2	●	●	●	7				9
Netball					●	●	●	●	●		●	1										1
Obstacle racing												●		4		2						6
Pencak silat												3	1	●	5							9
Polo				●		●		●			1				●	●		●	1			2
Rowing																●	3	3				6
Rugby sevens																	●	2				2
Sailing / Windsurfing	Sailing													●	●	●	7	●	2			12
	Windsurfing															●	●	●	3
Sambo															4	3						7
Sepak takraw											2	●		●	1	●	●	1	1	1		6
Shooting												3	1	2	2	1	1	1	1	2		14
Skateboarding														●	2	●	2	4				8
Soft tennis																	1	1	●	1		3
Squash											●	●	2	●	●	1	●	●	2			5
Surfing												●			●	●		4				4
Table tennis																●	2	●	●	2		4
Taekwondo																	8	8	6			22
Tennis											●	●	●	●	●	2	3					5
Duathlon / Triathlon	Duathlon											2			1							6
	Triathlon										2	1
Underwater hockey												●		2	2							4
Volleyball	Indoor											●	●	●	●	●	●	●	1	1		4
	Beach								●		●	●	●	●	●	2
Wakeboarding / Waterski																●	●	5				5
Weightlifting											2	3	3	2								10
Wrestling																			7	7		14
Wushu											3	2	11									16
Daily medal events											46	37	37	36	40	43	67	89	86	48	1	530
Cumulative total											46	83	120	156	196	239	306	395	481	529	530
		22 Fri	23 Sat	24 Sun	25 Mon	26 Tue	27 Wed	28 Thu	29 Fri	30 Sat	1 Sun	2 Mon	3 Tue	4 Wed	5 Thu	6 Fri	7 Sat	8 Sun	9 Mon	10 Tue	11 Wed	Total events
		November									December

Source: / Result SEA Games A / Result SEA Games B / Complete Schedule

Some events had to be rescheduled because of bad weather.

Medal Table

Result map of 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

The 2019 Southeast Asian Games had 530 events in 56 sports. This meant 530 sets of medals were given out.

The Philippines won 149 gold medals, 117 silver medals, and 121 bronze medals. This was their best performance ever in the Games.

  *   Host nation (Philippines)

2019 Southeast Asian Games Medal Table

Rank	Nation	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1	Philippines*	149	117	121	387
2	Vietnam	98	85	105	288
3	Thailand	92	103	123	318
4	Indonesia	72	84	111	267
5	Malaysia	56	57	71	184
6	Singapore	53	46	68	167
7	Myanmar	4	18	51	73
8	Cambodia	4	6	36	46
9	Brunei	2	5	6	13
10	Laos	1	5	29	35
11	East Timor	0	1	5	6
Totals (11 entries)		531	527	726	1,784

Broadcasting the Games

The 2019 SEA Games International Broadcast Center at the Clark Freeport Zone.

Key

   *   Host nation (Philippines)

Country	Official broadcaster/s	Ref.
Cambodia	Hang Meas
Indonesia	MNC Group, TVRI
Malaysia	Radio Televisyen Malaysia, Astro
Philippines	ABS-CBN, TV5 Network Inc.
Singapore	Mediacorp
Vietnam	VTV, HTV, VTC and VOV
South Korea	SBS, SPOTV (only for Vietnam's matches in men's football tournament)

See also

In Spanish: Juegos del Sudeste Asiático 2019 para niños

• Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines:
  • 1981 Southeast Asian Games in Manila
  • 1991 Southeast Asian Games in Manila
  • 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila
• 2020 ASEAN Para Games (cancelled)