Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Capitol bares other RP Olympic festival winners
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga Provincial Government recently disclosed the full bunch of medalists during the recently concluded Philippine Olympic Festival in Subic, Olongapo after Team Pampanga paid a courtesy call to Governor Eddie Panlilio.
The 85-Kapampangan contingents, including 15 coaches and officials, faced the best athletes from 16 other provinces last April 2 to 6, 2008 and came out fourth over-all, proving to all that there is indeed an athletic potential waiting to be tapped in the province.
In all, Pampanga garnered 91 medals, with 22 bronzes, 30 silvers and 39 of the most precious metal awarded.
Another shining Kapampangan accomplishment is the breaking of the Philippine record in dead lift and bench press, accomplished by powerlifter and gold medalist Rosell Bitangcol.
Rosell raised the new record in bench press to 116 kilograms, erasing the previous record that he himself set.
The support staff of the delegation made sure that the athletes got the best accommodation even with the spartan facilities of the East Tapinac Elementary School where they were quartered. With the full support of the Provincial Government, the team was assured of adequate nourishment, uniforms and even allowances. Strict discipline among the ranks was imposed, and genuine concern was given to every need of the athletes.
With all their concerns ably met by the support staff, the Pampanga athletes gave their best and showed the rest how their love for their province was translated into effort, endurance and excellence. Nobody gave any mind to our archers, but after all the quivers have flown and the bulls-eyes have been counted, the girls from the Pampanga Agricultural College found themselves the over-all champions, while the distaff side celebrated their bronze finish as well. (RCG)
