Apayao gears up for Caraa 2013

CONSTRUCTION of the multi-million sports complex of Apayao is now in full swing as the province gears up for the hosting of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (Caraa) next year.

Close to P25 million has been earmarked by the province for the construction of a multi-venue sports complex for the six province and one city sports conclave which is expected to draw close to 3,000 student athletes and coaches from all over the region.

“It’s not enough but we’re trying to make do with the budget and hopefully we will be able to finish the complex by February,” said Governor Elias Bulut Jr.

The complex is located in Payanan, San Gregorio in Luna town where bulk of the sports competition will be held.

The sports complex will also include an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Construction started as early as February after Kalinga Province hosted the yearly sporting conclave with Baguio lording it over anew for the over-all title.

Benguet come in at second, while Abra dislodged perennial third placer Mt. Province which dropped to fourth with former host Kalinga province finishing at number five while Ifugao and Apayao were sixth and seventh in the over-all standings.

The hosting of the annual Caraa was made possible after the province penned the Apayao Sports council, a program which aims to integrate all programs, projects and activates of national, regional and provincial offices toward the development of sports particularly among the youth.

The council is chaired by Bulut Jr. with Vice Gov. Hector Reuel Pascua as vice chair while members of the board will be composed of the seven mayors of the seven municipalities including the Youth Council provincial federation president and other government and non government organizations.

Part of the functions of the provincial sports council is to formulate policies, plans and programs geared towards the development and regulation of sports activities in the province and will also help design, plan, and assist in the construction, improvement, and maintenance of sports facilities and equipments throughout the province.

It will also help assess sports facilities and infrastructures and review the trainings and proposed sports undertakings based on the standards required and needs of the time and the athletes, trainers and coaches.