Chase on for Palaro golds

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Student-athletes from various schools in 17 regions get the chance to show their wares for possible spots in future national teams as they slug it out for top honors in the Palarong Pambansa beginning today at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex.

Seventeen gold medals are up for grabs right in the opener of the week-long meet held for the first time here after 69 years with no less than President Duterte gracing the inaugurals of the annual event the way he did in Vigan, Ilocos Sur and San Jose, Antique the last two years.

Last staged here in 1950 when the annual multi-sports meet for elementary and high school students was still named Bureau of Public Schools-Interscholastic Athletic Association Games, Davao City will play host anew to over 18,000 athletes and officials from various regions.

The President flew here straight from China, accompanied by host Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez, Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Popular singer Morisette Amon sang the National anthem to cap the festivities yesterday.

“Davao City is all geared up to once again host the finest student athletes from all over the country in a sporting competition designed not only to find future sports heroes but also to promote physical education among young Filipinos and inculcate in them the values of excellence, discipline, teamwork, fair play and integrity,” said Sara Duterte.

“Our passion for sports has inspired us to run the extra mile in preparations to give all of you an indelible, incredible experience here,” she added.

The first gold is up for grabs in the secondary girls’ 3,000m at the break of dawn followed by the high school and elementary boys long jump and high school and elementary girls’ discus throw in the morning events.

Action heats up at 3 p.m. with 12 golds up for grabs in elementary and high school boys and girls 400m hurdles and 100m, high school and elementary girls’ long jump and high school and elementary boys’ discus throw.