Liloan launches training program for aspiring athletes

CEBU, Philippines - The municipal government of Liloan has launched a Grassroots Running Program to provide training for Liloan's school children aged 8 to 12 years old for the purpose of developing world-class athletes from the town.

To carry out the program, Liloan has engaged the expertise of Olympian Mary Joy Tabal and renowned Triathlete and Coach John Philip Dueñas who conducted an initial orientation at the Office of the Mayor.

In attendance during the orientation were municipal officials, school heads and Physical Education teachers with whom collaboration will be done for the Program.

In further support of Liloan's young athletes, the municipal government has expanded its existing scholarship program to include scholarships for deserving athletes.

Vice Mayor Vincent Franco 'Duke' Frasco, who is himself an avid runner, expressed his and Mayor Christina Frasco's excitement at the launch of the program, saying, "With this program, the Philippines' next Olympian may just come from Liloan."

Mayor Christina Frasco on the other hand said that during the campaign, one of their promises was to expand Liloan's scholarship program to include athletes, and to establish a Grassroots Training Program for running to give school kids from 14 barangays the opportunity to undergo world class training, and to develop potential athletes.

"Duke and I are so happy to be able to keep this promise with our kids being trained and guided by no less than Olympian Mary Joy Tabal and renowned coach John Philip Dueñas," she said.

"Who knows, we just might have in Liloan the next Olympian in the midst," she added. (FREEMAN)