National Progress Through Sports WVRAA Competition Starts March 14

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Picture shows (l to r) Engr. Victory M. Fernandez, Dr. Benny Palma, and Ms. Mary Ann Lopez who are responsible officials in the preparation for the hosting of the WVRAA competition to be held on March 14 - 19 in Aklan.

Finally, there is cold relief that everything is set for the West Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) meet to be held on March 14 – 19, 2010. Briefing on the readiness of physical infrastructure and calendar of activities were given during the weekly Kapehan on March 6, 2010 at Smokehauz Resto & Bar. Guests were Ms. Mary Ann Lopez, Educ. Supervisor DepEd in behalf of Dr. Larroza and Engr. Victory Fernandez, Aklan provincial engineer. Also present was Dr. Benny Palma, OIC President of ASU who has partnered with Gov. Carlito S. Marquez to develop its 6.8 hectares property in Calangcang, Makato into a Provincial Sports Center.

Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente said that to excel in sports one has to engage in serious physical and mental disciplines not quite common to ordinary mortals. Vietnam wrecked by civil war until 1975 has proven its supremacy in recent Asean games. What they have dramatically accomplished in sports is also seen in business, industry, technology, and the arts. Motivating factor indicates national progress through sports competition.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino views that it is an honor to host the WVRAA for the first time. Mission of athletics is sportsmanship and to have a sound mind in a sound body.

Engr. Fernandez revealed that as of March 6, all physical infra that includes grandstand, swimming pool, oval track and supplemental structures are 95 percent completed. The finishing job by contractor is on putting lane markings on oval track, installation of air conditioning units on special rooms, widening of access/exit road, parking space and others. Bleachers could accommodate some 6,000 guests on opening day to witness one of Aklan’s spectacular events of the decade.

Audience will comprise of sports delegations from Iloilo, Capiz, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Antique and Aklan’s supportive population.

Ms. Lopez said that as of this writing, advanced party from Iloilo have arrived in Aklan. Regional Screening Committee members are expected to come on March 7 in preparation for the hectic schedule ahead of them. The schedule of activities are: March 11 – ocular inspection/interview of athletes based on biodata, Evening Search for Mr. and Ms. Palaro; March 12 – orientation of delegation heads, arrival of games officials; March 14 – formal start of games; March 15 opening program; guest speaker: Hon. Gilbert Teodoro, Lighting of Urn, Parade, Evening, Pag abi-abi night; March 16-18 – Sports Com-petition; March 19 – closing program.

Accommodation of provincial athletic delegation and protocol are unchanged since December 2009 when WVRAA meet was originally scheduled on February 21 – 26 this year. However, venue of certain sporting events are revised to include Numancia and Bulwang Covered Courts for Sepak Takraw and Magsaysay Park (Kalibo) for boxing. Hospitality-wise, Ms. Lopez informed mediamen that 100 sets of beddings will be provided to each delegation instead of the usual 50.

Members of the tri-media will be given accommodation inside sports facility in Calangcang and Kalibo for better media mileage and immersion in the games. It is expected that news outfit from other provinces/cities will be on hand to collaborate with local journalists.

Putting up a provincial sports center especially at a time of global economic recession and budget deficits is one of outstanding accomplishments under the Marquez Administration. With work undertaken so far with the P45 million loan, facility appears substandard not to mention nipa roofing on main grandstand just to beat the deadline.

Indeed, more physical improvements for an all weather sports facility is needed like gymnastic equipment, boxing stadium and other appurtenances such as potable water, lighting, rest rooms, drainage and perimeter fencing. Because of the above compelling reasons, the provincial government must actively lobby within the Association to hold the same event next year at the present site. This has been done in the province of Antique before, thereby giving rise to their dream sports center.

Having 6,000 guests usually draw the attention of criminal syndicates and other bad elements who want to have a piece of the action. It would be expected that PNP authorities are pro-active since unsuspecting individuals are common targets. Since we are tourist-oriented (because of Boracay), vans, jeepneys and tricycle operators/drivers including hotels and inns must be asked to charge legal fees and be respectful to their customers. Simple courtesy we give them goes a long way to effective public relations.

Aklan Press Club, Inc. officers and members hereby congratulate the magnificent seven from the NVC Masscom and Community Broadcast Info System namely: Abegail Retorino, Richie Oloroso, Jeda Sale, Mutya Nallas, Yahly Castillo, Roben P. Laserna and Ronel Irodistan. Reason is their hurdling the accreditation examination, Kapisanan ng mga brodkaster sa Pilipinas given on January 30, 2010 at ASU, Banga, Aklan.

Scramble to reach the apex of sports fame and fortune is open to all young athletes. Sadly, they never endure over the long term. Dr. Gabriel Delfin, Dean, Institute of Public Policy, NVC notes however, that the ideal program is really physical, mental, and emotional training for life. Journey starts from infancy to adulthood where proper coaching and discipline are nurtured. Here trans-formation is permanent and success comes out easy in weathering any kind of crisis. /MP