Wednesday, April 02, 2008 Palaro athletes wary of heat stroke By Henry C. Villalva
WHILE host organizers in Puerto Princesa, Palawan said they are all set to host the 2008 Palarong Pambansa for the first time on April 20-27, parents of elementary and secondary athletes preparing to compete in the annual sports conclave thinks otherwise.
This, as they are worried over reports that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) is keenly monitoring the consistent temperature increase which may lead to possible heat stroke.
Commissioner Eric Loretizo of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) earlier announced the PSC plans to dispatch medical teams to Puerto Princesa to help assist in case of possible problems related to the health of athletes and officials during the week-long multi-discipline sports competitions for elementary and secondary athletes.
Reports indicated that organizers are even planning to set the traditional opening ceremonies early in the morning instead of the usual early afternoon to avoid subjecting participants to the intense heat.
Parents, particularly of Negrense athletes who also saw action in last year's Palaro in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, are aware of possible consequences if the temperature continues to surge as last year's Palaro resulted to several deaths due to the intense heat.
Puerto Princesa City officials also assured that since this is the first time they are hosting a national sports event as big as the Palaro, they are trying their best to give visitors "a kind of life they can never forget."
Pagasa has reported the possibility of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in April and May. It also advised the public not to stay under the sun especially from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to avoid wearing thick clothing, bring hats and umbrellas, apply sunblock, and drink plenty of water.
More than 17,000 athletes, coaches and officials are expected to join this year's Palarong Pambansa.
Negros Occidental Vice Governor Emilio Yulo III earlier expressed concern on the welfare of Negrense athletes who are representing Western Visayas in this year's Palaro and has vowed to create a Palaro task force that will attend to the needs of Negros athletes, including making sure they are not billeted far from the main competition venues.
Negros athletes are slated to leave for the Palaro on April 16.
