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Friday, September 12, 2003
MFG first, then Palaro
By Marianne L. Saberon
IT'S confirmed. We are off to Mati first then on to Tubod, as Mindanao takes center stage with its hosting of two premier sports meets next month.
Organizers agreed Thursday to hold the 3rd Mindanao Friendship Games in Mati, Davao Oriental on October 19 to 24 ahead of the much-delayed 2003 Palarong Pambansa in Tubod, Lanao del Norte on October 25 to 29.
Philippine Sports Commissioner in-charge-for Mindanao Leon Gonzalo "Binggoy" Montemayor said, "I just had a meeting with Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda Dimaporo and chairman Eric Buhain. We decided to hold the Mindanao Games ahead of the Palaro instead conducting it otherwise."
The Palaro, which was reset twice due to unstable peace and order situation in nearby Lanao towns, was to take place October 5 to 12.
"Since the schedules have already been ironed out, we can now focus more on our preparations. Gov. Dimaporo just informed me earlier that President Gloria Macapagal confirmed to attend the Palaro opening rites on the 25th," said Montemayor.
PSC regional coordinator Vic Sai, who guested at the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum Thursday, said there was really a need for the Palaro to be held later than the Mindanao Games.
"They have to schedule the Palaro during the semestral break so that more athletes can participate. There would be a problem if the Palaro pushes through in the first to second week of October," Sai said.
However, the Mindanao Games could not be reset on other dates since its original schedule coincides with the centennial celebration of Davao Oriental's capital town.
Sai said only few regions have confirmed to join the Palaro citing those coming from Mindanao one delegation from Eastern Visayas.
(September 12, 2003 issue) |
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