PRISAA 2013 Kicks Off

LINGAYEN—After the successful holding of Palarong Pambansa last year, the province of Pangasinan has again embarked on another nationwide sports event-hosting as this year’s Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games kicked off at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Complex (NRSCC) on February 11, 2013.
According to Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan who represented Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. during the opening program, as compared to the province’s hosting of PRISAA way back in 2006, this year is far different.
 This is because of the enhancements of the province’s sports facilities such as the NRSCC grandstand upgrade. “Ang sports ay importanteng bahagi…ng pagtrain sa mga future leaders ng ating bansa,” Baraan further said as he cited that sports events like PRISAA encourages the development of core life values including excellence, hard work, integrity, and respect for others.
 Thus to further the sports development of the youth, the building of a sports academy in the province is now underway with an initial budget of Php15 million, Baraan added.
Meanwhile, the program’s guest of honor and speaker, Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, D.D., told the delegates always be reminded of the existence of God, soul, and life everlasting. “Kapag naglaro kayong kasama ang Diyos, kapag naglaro kayong buong kaluluwa, kapag naglaro kayong hindi kinakalimutan ang buhay na walang hanggan, kahit saan kayo makarating, you will always be champion,” he said. In addition, Atty. Gonzalo Duque, PRISAA National President mentioned that PRISAA 2013 paved the initial year of including private secondary schools.
He said that the modification is for the more extensive training of young athletes, expected to result to more Olympics players coming from PRISAA. Also, Duque uttered that Espino is “the only governor that has maintained the facility of NRSCC” as he hailed the Governor’s commitment to sports as well as sports development.
After the formal opening of the 2013 PRISAA National Games, San Carlos College (SCC), Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation (VMUF) and University of Luzon (UL) Drum and Bugle groups showed off their skills. On the other hand, Dagupan City-based Lyceum Northwestern University (LNU) and UL performed their mass field demonstrations.
 PRISAA is the country’s largest national athletic association with more than 500 member colleges and universities from the entire Philippines that aims at carrying out the mandate of promoting physical fitness and sports development among youth with the help of various government departments and agencies and private entities. More than 4,000 student-athletes from the 17 regions around the country battle in the 18 sports events namely Athletics (M/W), Basketball (M/W), Badminton (M/W), Sepak Takraw (M), Beach Volleyball (M/W), Baseball (M), Softball (W), Volleyball (M/W), Football (M), Boxing (M), Chess (M/W), Karate-do (M/W), Judo (M), Dance Sports, Lawn Tennis (M/W), Table Tennis (M/W) and Swimming (M/W). In addition, on Feb. 13, the Mutya ng PRISAA 2013 Pageant and the Vocal Solo and Duet Competitions will be held at the Sison Auditorium. Winners in the different events will be recognized on Feb. 16 in the closing ceremonies. (PIO)