8,000 Delegates join R1AA in Pangasinan

LINGAYEN—Some 8, 000 participants from the various schools division in Region I will see action as another season for the Region I Athletic Association (RIAA) Meet began during its opening last February 24 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here. The 2013 RIAA which will be held until March 2 is hosted by the Division of Pangasinan I in cooperation with the provincial government of Pangasinan. Department of Education Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali told the athletes to play their games well in order to achieve success as he reminded all athletes to put in mind the importance of discipline like team focus. Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. on the other hand, stressed the importance of sportsmanship and discipline as he welcomed the young athletes and other visitors to the province. The governor also urged the athletes especially those from Pangasinan to give their best shot as he wished that “sana isa sa atin dito sa Pangasinan o sa Region I ang magdala pa ng mas mataas na karangalan at makakuha ng mga medalya sa mas mataas na lebel ng kompetisyon.” It will be recalled that in 2011 Pangasinan performed a victorious win grabbing the championship from Ilocos Norte who held the top position for several years. However, in 2012 Ilocos Norte regained the championship. The more than 8, 000 participants include athletes from the elementary and secondary schools including their coaches, trainers, technical officials and chaperones coming from the 14 schools divisions in Region I. The athletes will see action in various sporting events such as athletics, gymnastics, sipa, sepak takraw, baseball, softball, badminton, table tennis, archery, swimming, boxing, arnis, and chess. As this developed, the provincial government saw to it that preparations for the venue and sports facilities are well taken care of to ensure the successful conduct of the athletic competition. In line with the conduct of the various games at the Narciso sports complex, the province has fielded health personnel to secure the safety of the athletes in cases of accidents or other related problems. Security officers were also assigned at the billeting areas also, to ensure the safety of the athletes and participants. (PIO/Angeline D. Villanueva)