Tuesday, July 10, 2007 Mayor Jaraula hails young jins' exploit By Lynde Salgados
THE triumphant CDO jins returned home relishing a warm welcome from newly-elected City Mayor Constantino G. Jaraula.
"Let Cagayan de Oro City shine in the world over," Jaraula said in congratulating the city's young taekwondo heroes upon their arrival here last Wednesday morning.
Composed mostly by elementary athletes from the different private schools in the city, the lean but mean Cagayan de Oro team brought home a total of 6 golds in the 9th World Taekwondo Festival/Malaysia Martial Arts Open 2007 slated from June 28 to July 2 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
CDO's exploit in the World Taekwondo Festival was considered as spectacular since they conquered with only nine of them competing compared to their Manila counterparts' over 40 entries that apparently failed to win even just a single gold.
"They somewhat under-estimated us, but after we won golds for Cagayan de Oro and the country..they've showed us some kind of respect," CDO head coach George Arsenal Jr. later told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.
During their courtesy call at City Hall, Mayor Jaraula gave them an assurance that his administration will look for means that will pave the way for the creation of a multi-purpose city gymnasium. This way, there will be a decent venue for young and aspiring athletes to hone their talent.
"Dako among kalipay kay gi-abi-abi ug gi-atiman gyod `mi sa mayor. Nag-set gyod siya'g time pag-welcome sa amo. Patsada kaayo pag matuman nga mabuhatan ang siyudad og city gym kay daghan unya nga sports disciplines ang mapalambo," Arsenal further said.
Accounting for the individual golds in sparring (gyorugi) event were Palaro campaigners Josafat John Simon Licayan, Mark Louis Luminarias, Anthony Alfred Pasion, Kevin Louis Sia and female compatriot Shaneen Ched Sia.
The five of them were joined in by John Nicho Tidoy, Dwight Oclarit and Lorenzo Pio Bollozos in winning the team gold in muye (forms) presentation.
Shaneen Sia gets a silver in muye individual, while Tidoy settles for a silver in sparring category.
Capping for a dramatic finish was coach Arsenal's brave effort when he participated in the hand kyukpa (wood breaking) showdown to also nail a silver. (With reports from The Power)
