NegOcc guv: Be role models of sportsmanship

NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. challenged athletes and officials to be role models of sportsmanship by showing fairness, ethics, respect and sense of fellowship in every game played.

His message was read by provincial sports coordinator Angel Verdeflor in Sunday’s opening rites of the 2017 Palarong Panlalawigan at Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

Verdeflor said the governor felt excited as hundreds of young and promising athletes from around the province converged at Panaad, where many sports heroes came from.

“It is in this field where great potential and talented young athletes were discovered and developed to international standard competitions,” he added.

The sports official further challenged the athletes to show their best not only to bring honor and pride to their parents and schools, but to prove to themselves what they can do.

“After all, this competition is not merely an avenue for you to show bravery and skills but an ideal place to foster camaraderie and friendship. As they said, a good sport means not just a good winner but also a good loser. He likewise shows courtesy even in the face of defeat,” Verdeflor said.

Also present were Vice Governor Eugenio Lacson and Department of Education-Western Visayas OIC Regional Director Gemma Ledesma.