Batang Pinoy lures best young athletes

MANILA, Philippines — The finest young athletes will battle for slots to the Philippine team seeing action in the Children of Asia Games in Russia next year when the National Finals of the Batang Pinoy unfolds today at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Batang Pinoy project director and Phl Sports Commission deputy executive director, yesterday stressed that only the most exceptional athletes, not just gold medal winners, will get to earn spots to the quadrennial Children of Asia slated Aug. 15-25 next year.

“The most impressive performances will be prioritized because we’re forming a team to the Children of Asia Games,” said Iroy.

Iroy said they’re expecting about 10,000 athletes, coaches and technical officials to attend the weeklong, multi-sports meet for in and out-of-school youth athletes aged 14 years and below competing in 31 different sports disciplines.