THRILLING action awaits spectators as the Unit 5/Davao City Prisaa Meet officially opened at the Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) Petro Gazz Arena in Davao City Friday, September 27.
Underscoring this year’s theme, “One Spirit Through Sports”, Davao City Prisaa president and Unit 5 chairperson Ma. Lita Montalban Friday urged parents to allow the smooth conduct of the games for elementary and secondary athletes.
Montalban, before declaring the opening of the games, said, “Sa sports, dapat walang away. Madaug, mapildi, pareha ta, isa ra ta sa sports (Win or lose, we are one in sports). Parents are not allowed to intimidate officials of the game.”
She said if there is any complaint on the officiating, the aggrieved party must pay a P10,000 protest fee before the grievance committee would deliberate it.
Montalban, also president of Emar Human and Environmental College (Ehec), added that they have “very good experiences” in the past 15 years and hopes it stays the same this year.
She also welcome newest member Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MCM) who is making its debut in the annual twin sportsfest.
Guest speaker Davao City Councilor Pilar Braga, for her part, reminded athletes to not just find pleasure in winning but to enjoy the games.
“Victory comes from striving to do your best and success is about how you carry out the process ... I encourage you to compete but be fair, endure but have courage. Play your games but don’t forget to have fun,” Braga said.
Meanwhile, the Independent Liberty Baptist Academy (Ilba) dethroned Emar to clinch the cheerdance competition title. The 2018 champion settled for the runner-up honors while the University of Mindanao (UM) Davao placed third.
Sayaw Kadayawan 2019 adult category runner-up Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines, Inc. (AIFCP) spiced up the simple opening program with a cultural ensemble.
Aside from MCM, Ilba, Emar, UM and AIFCP, Unit 5/Davao City Prisaa’s other members are The Abba’s Orchard School, AMA Computer College, Apo Learning Village, Davao Doctors College, Good Soil Academy, Holy Spirit Academy of Calinan, Jose Maria College, Mindanao Christian Foundation College and Seminary, Inc., RMC, Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary, Inc., St. Francis College of Davao, Inc., St. Francis Xavier Learning Center, St. Therese College of Science and Technology and UM Ilang.
Games will resume today, September 28, and championship matches will be held tomorrow, September 29.
Top performers in different sports will represent the unit to the Davao City Athletic Association (Dcaa) Meet and to the Prisaa 11 Meet.