SAN Carlos City in Negros Occidental was the overall champion during the recently concluded Area 1 Athletic Meet held in the Municipality of Calatrava from March 17-19, 2023.
The delegates took home at least 162 gold medals (91 for the secondary and 71 for the elementary) during the multi-sport event anchored on the theme: Championing Excellence Through Sports.
More than 460 elementary and high school students represented the city in said sporting event that rested three years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dennis Develos, Ph.D., OIC-Schools Division Superintendent, said the outcome did not surprise him. However, implementing various changes like event guidelines since San Carlos City has been constantly at the top in every Area 1 Athletic Meet.
Develos said it is important not how the athletes won the games but how the players enjoyed them.
He also attributed the success to the coaches who, despite the hardship encountered, they persevered with the athletes and the support of the local government.
He said City Mayor Renato Gustilo contacted him on the updates of the delegates during the event and allocated P2.9M for the Area 1 Athletic Meet thru the Special Education Fund (SEF).
Develos also said that no serious injuries occurred during the event and commended the Municipality of Calatrava for an athlete-friendly playing area.
He looked forward to replicating the success in the Area 1 Athletic Meet to the next level. "The results of the games would determine the degree of our preparations... hope our players and coaches can sustain the energy," he said.
Winners in the Area 1 Athletic Meet will compete in the Cluster Meet on March 24-26, 2023, along with the Municipality of Manapla, Sagay City, and Cadiz City athletes, with seven team games like football and futsal, will be held in San Carlos City.* (PR)