Sports academy mulled for Pangasinan bets

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – Gov. Amado Espino Jr will open a sports academy where young local athletes would be trained to become members of future national teams at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center which serves as the main hub for the Palarong Pambansa 2012 slated May 6-12 in this capital town.

Espino said the youth sports program is part of his continuing commitment to help develop sports and produce young Pangasinan athletes who could be trained during summer vacation and developed for future big games, including the Olympics.

The athletes will be given free training with instructors and coaches in their chosen fields, according to Espino.

The elementary pupils with potentials will be honed in the sports academy until they reach high school or college if they opt to study in Pangasinan, Espino told local newsmen yesterday during the briefing on the preparations for the Palarong Pambansa.

He said his sports program has been lauded by no less than Education Secretary Armin Luistro.

The governor said the provincial government will also give cash incentives to Pangasinan athletes who will win medals in the coming Palaro.

Meanwhile, he said works on the sports facilities and billeting areas are in full blast in time for the games.

He also said there is a good collaboration among the provincial government of Pangasinan, the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and other agencies to ensure success of this biggest sporting event for young students.