BATANG Pinoy , which showcases athletes 15 years old and below, has once again given opportunity to some 3,000 delegates from 89 local government units (LGUs) in the country to compete not just only against other athletes but also against themselves during the Mindanao Qualifying Leg in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte.
During the first day of the games, Davao City was hit with a gold medal drought as it only placed third but thanks to 10-year-old Magallanes Elementary School pupil Aethan Razy Fujita who saved the day for the defending overall champion with a golden finish in arnis anyo event.
Meanwhile, Kristine Madeline of Davao City archery showed formidable form after sweeping the cub girls 20, 30, 40 and 50-meter distances while the city’s best swimmers Liaa and Lora Amoguis together with Juliana Marien Villanueva and the rest of the city’s tankers collected several medals during the first day of swimming competition Wednesday that catapulted Davao’s rank to the top.
Smashing another gold for Davao were netters Andre Kenny Sing, John Roddick Litang, Christian Nathaniel Angus, and Euriz EJ Tanucan in boys team competition while the girls team settled for bronze.
Despite the slump in the first day of the gold-rich athletics event, Davao City stayed on top, thanks to the arnis, karatedo, and swimming teams.
With few more medals expected to be dominated by Davao City in several team and individual sports, Davao City is poised to defend Batang Pinoy Mindanao leg overall champs.
With all games done, one thing I admire with all the Philippine Sports Commission-led sportsfest is the friendly secretariat, staff, and especially, technical officials. The games will close today at the Davao Del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, with Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go as guest speaker.