EVEN with the hiring of top trainers by the different provinces, Baguio City archery coach John Hongitan remains upbeat of the city’s chances when the 2018 edition of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (Caraa) opens February 4.
Hongitan said Baguio remains the favorite in the archery competition although he sees a tough contest with two provinces reportedly seeking the help of top archery coaches to beef up their chances in the medal race.
Mountain Province reportedly took the services of para-archer Giovanni Ola while Abra has sought the help of three time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Clint Sayo.
“We see it as a tough competition but I believe in the skills of the boys squad,” Hongitan said.
During the 2017 Caraa meet, Baguio City snatched all the seven gold medals in the boys division with Mt. Province earning silver in the team match play and a bronze courtesy of Quint Abeijah Amongan.
Abra on the other hand which did not won any medal in the tournament hopes to sneak at least one with the help of Sayo and the home court advantage as the province host the weeklong sports competition.
The girls squad are also eyeing for another dominating performance after sweeping five gold medals courtesy of Pines City National High School standout Charmaine Angela Villamor.
Since hosting the event back in 2001, Abra will once again be home to the biggest gathering of athletes from the public and private schools from the six provinces and two cities of the region with an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 athletes and officials expected to join the sports event.
Abra officials assured the peace and order issues and concerns in the province will be addressed before and all throughout the conduct of the sports event.
Aside from the sports complex in Bangued, other playing venues include the Abra High School, Bangued East Elementary School, Divine Word College (DWC), Bangued Town Plaza, Camp Juan Villamor, and Abra Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST).
On the other hand, Bangued West Central School, Mudeng Elementary School, Pidigan Central School, St. Mary High School, Sinalang Pilot Elementary School, Agtangao Elementary School, including Abra High School, ASIST, and DWC were identified as billeting schools.