LINGAYEN -- The Dagupan City Government and the Pangasinan Provincial Government will host the upcoming Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa) National Open Invitational Athletics Championships.

Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr., Patafa chairman, said 600 to 800 athletes, trainers, coaches, and VIPs are expected to arrive here for the sporting event.

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The Patafa National Open Invitational Championships will be on May 10 to 12, 2009.

The opening ceremony is set at 9:30 a.m. on May 10 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) here.

Aside from the Philippine contingent, the competing teams will come from Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and others.

The athletic events include pole vault, high jump, long jump, relay, hurdles, hammer throw, javelin throw, discus throw shot put, and sprints.

Mayor Fernandez said the sporting event will serve as an inspiration to the local athletes to dream big and strive hard in the sports they are into.

Meanwhile, Governor Amado Espino Jr. said the province has sports facilities at par with that of other countries.

The Provincial Government, he said, is ready to host the first international sporting event this year.

The City Government and the Provincial Government has worked on the security personnel, medical teams, the working committees, and support groups which will assist participants and those who will come to Lingayen and watch the different events. (LCMY/Sunnex)