Tuesday, July 31, 2007 All systems go for POF Minda Qualifier
THE Provincial Capitol is in thick preparation for the hosting of the week-long 2nd Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) Mindanao Qualifying Games to be held here on August 13 to 19.
Governor Oscar S. Moreno has entered into an agreement on July 9 with the Philippine Olympic Committee chaired by Robert Aventajado for the Provincial Government to host the said event.
The POF is an initiative of the Philippine Sports Committee that aims to set up a talent identification program for the benefit of young potential athletes over the country in preparation for future Olympic Games.
Organizers said there are five POF qualifying games for Central and Northern Luzon, National Capital Region, Bicol and Southern Tagalog, Visayas and Mindanao.
The medal winners of these qualifying games will compete in the POF national championships along with the NSAs and national training pool members.
As agreed, the Capitol is responsible for the competition venues, billeting of athletes and the officials participating in the games, secretariat office, media center, local transportation for the delegates and other activities.
The POF Organizing Committee, on the other hand, is responsible for granting the province legitimate income opportunities and technical support.
An executive committee is created by Governor Moreno to handle the planning and funding requirements for the activity headed by Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center manager Oscar H. Cinco.
At least 2,000 athletes are expected to compete in 17 sports events namely athletics, aquatics, karatedo, taekwondo, gymnastics, table tennis, judo, archery, baseball, chess, sepak takraw, basketball, arnis, football, muay, powerlifting and wrestling.
Ten provinces have already confirmed their participation while seven others have also signified their intention to send delegates but have yet to confirm with the POF organizers.
Those who have confirmed are the LGUs from Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte Saranggani, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, General Santos City, Zamboanga City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro and host Misamis Oriental.
Governor Moreno believes that the province has, in its disposal, a good bunch of promising athletes who need a break and who may bring the banner of Misamis Oriental to greater heights in the field of sports. (Press release)
