All systems go for Davraa Meet

THE green light is on for the staging of the 2013 Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet slated to open on Monday at the Davao del Norte Sports and Cultural Center.

Giovanni Gulanes, Davao del Norte Sports Development Officer IV, said: "It's all systems go for our hosting of the Davraa Meet. We are very excited to showcase our new sports facilities. This will be a good start for bigger events to come in Davao del Norte."

Gulanes, who was a guest along with Davao del Norte assistant provincial engineer Jivellyn Co in Thursday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at Calle Cinco Restobar along J.P. Laurel Avenue, was pertaining to the province's hosting of the Batang Pinoy Mindanao Qualifying in August and that of the 2014 Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) National Championship.

He quoted Governor Rodolfo del Rosario to have said that good facilities call for good preparations. Thus, he wanted their hosting of the five-day regional eliminations to be a breakthrough of sorts among other Davraa Meet stagings in the past.

Delegates from the host province, Tagum City, Panabo City, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao Oriental, Mati City, Davao del Sur, Digos City, Compostela Valley and Davao City are also assured of their safety and security.

No less than the Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director will spearhead the security of all delegations for the entire duration of the regional qualifying that will determine the Palarong Pambansa-bound Davraa selection.

"The new sports complex and all other venues of the 18 events entered in the meet have been inspected and got the nod of tournament managers. The venues are safe and playable. Softball and football will be held at the sports complex where games may be played until 9 p.m. since we have very good lighting system around the field," Gulanes said.

He added that a medical team will be on stand-by in every playing venue for immediate medical assistance.

Co, for her part, said: "We are very happy to be this year's host of the Davraa Meet. Our world-class sports facility, which costs over P242 million, features a main grandstand with a seating capacity of 3,000, eight-lane rubberized track oval, Olympic-sized swimming pool with warm-up pool and grandstand, executive clubhouse, outdoor court and offices."

She said the clubhouse can also host special functions such as birthdays, weddings and other meetings.

The formal opening rites will start at 5 p.m. on Monday to be highlighted by a grand fireworks display.