National Open trackfest on at Lingayen

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – The National Open Invitational Championship kicks off today with more than 600 local and foreign athletes clashing for top honors in various events at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC).

Dagupan City Mayor and Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association chair Alipio Fernandez Jr. said competition is expected to be fierce in pole vault, high jump, long jump, hurdles, decathlon, hammer throw, shot put, javelin throw and relays with the foreign bets out to stamp their class over the local stars before an expected banner crowd.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco Jr., Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping and athletics chief Go Teng Kok grace the opening rites set at 9 a.m.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr. will deliver the keynote speech to formally open the three-day, 11-nation athletic competitions.

Fernandez said the event serves as a vehicle for the formation of values and promotion of peace and unity among the youths in the region.

“It is a showcase not only of the physical endurance and skills of Asian athletes but also their character as a people,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez also said Dagupan will also serve as the finish line of today’s third leg of the Padyak Pinoy, a 171-km race firing off in Apalit, Pampanga. – Eva Visperas