Tabuk City, Kalinga – Preparations are underway for the participation of Kalinga athletes in the Philippine National Games (PNG) and Batang Pinoy 2023 slated for December 17 to 22 in playing venues spread over the National Capital Region.
Created by Executive Order No. 163, series of 1994, PNG was launched as the centerpiece program of the government’s national physical fitness and sports development effort.
Through Executive Order No. 44, series of 1998, Batang Pinoy was established to address the government’s need for a comprehensive grassroots program focused on instilling core values through engagement in sports and recreational activities.
Engaging in sports and play evokes a sense of patriotism, nationalism, self-discipline, respect for law and order, hardwork, teamwork, camaraderie, sportsmanship and fair play thus, eliminating the child’s chances of becoming a juvenile delinquent.
The host, Philippine Sports Commission, earlier said at least 25 sports are entered into the simultaneous events with 2,986 medals at stake for the PNG and 4,811 in Batang Pinoy.
As of Monday, nearly 4,000 athletes aged 18 and above are ready to display their talents in the PNG, while almost 18,000 athletes aged 17 and below are poised to be the focal point of attention in the Batang Pinoy.
In Kalinga, around a hundred athletes will showcase their prowess in the combative sports.
Erwin Tagure relayed that 26 athletes will compete in Muay Thai with him and Xandie Wayagwag as coaches; 31 in kickboxing headed by coaches Jet Lee Banasan and Lloyd Lacwasan; and 23 in wushu led by coach Jude Saclag.
For the taekwondo, coach Jeffrey Ysmael said 24 athletes were initially listed but only 18 may join. The figure, he added, may be changed.
Tagure wished the players the best as he encouraged them to strive because Batang Pinoy was the launchpad of elite athletes such as the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medallist, Hidilyn Diaz of weightlifting and world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo, Muay Thai champion Ariel Lee Lampacan, among other bemedalled athletes.
“Dagitoy piman nga uubing ket han lang agay-ayam gapu ti passion da ngem tapnu maka-alah- da scholarship ken hopefully agbalin da nga member ti national team… They wholeheartedly want to give pride to our city and province,” he expressed.
The highly anticipated events will take place at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and at the Philsports Complex in Pasig.
LISTEN TO STATION 1 RADIO: CLICK ME
.png)
Comments