Batang Pinoy unwraps in Vigan

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur  , Philippines  — The Luzon leg of the Batang Pinoy, the government’s annual multi-sports meet for 15-and-under students and out-of-school youth, fires off today with at least 5,000 athletes vying in various fronts at the President Quirino Stadium here.

All but four of the 126 participating local government units (LGUs) have been accounted for with the organizing Philippine Sports Commission chaired by William Ramirez expecting the rest to check in today in time for the start of the competitions.

Track and field and medal-rich swimming are two of the 18 sports to be played in the weeklong meet. The others are archery, arnis, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, chess, dancesport, karatedo, tennis, pencak silat, sepak takraw, softball, table tennis, taekwondo and volleyball.

Host Gov. Ryan Luis Singson along with Vigan City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina, Bantay City Mayor Samuel Parilla II and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos will join Ramirez in officially declaring the games open.

Ilocos Sur is using the Batang Pinoy as part of its preparations for its hosting of the Palarong Pambansa next year.

Meanwhile, the Visayas leg of the Batang Pinoy will be held Nov. 10-16 in Dumaguete City.