Saturday, March 15, 2008 Hagedorn invites GMA to inspire Palaro athletes
MANILA—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to grace the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Palarong Pambansa on April 20 at the Puerto Princesa City Sports Complex in Palawan.
Alroben Goh said that no less than Mayor Edward Hagedorn personally invited the Chief Executive to give a fitting inspirational message to the expected more than 5,000 athletes and officials, from 17 regions all over the country who will converge for the week-long multi-event meet.
It has been a tradition of the prestigious school sportsfest since its inception in the early ’60s to have the No. 1 sports fan in the country delivering inspirational talk to the student-athletes, who will soon represent the country in any international competitions, Goh noted.
“Mayor Hagedorn personally invited the President to grace the Palaro opening and give some inspirational words,” said Goh.
Goh said that the Palace, however, has yet to confirm the presence of the President in the opening day.
“There is a strong chance President Arroyo would attend because of her close ties with Hagedorn, her former anti-gambling czar a few years back,” Goh added.
Aside from the President, also attending the rites are Department of Education Secretary Jeslie Lapus, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and commissioner Eric Loretizo.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco and other sports officials including Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Romulo Neri are also expected to attend the first day rites.
Except for some minor unfinished work, everything has been put in place in the week-long competition for elementary and high school students in both the private and public schools.
“The only unfinished venue is the Olympic size practice swimming pool, which is expected to be completed before the month ends because it will be used for the MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Regional Meet slated to be held in the first week of April,” Goh said. (Frank Calapre)
