CLOSE to a thousand student-athletes and delegation officials from 26 local government units in Negros Occidental are converging Bacolod City for the inaugural 2016 division meet scheduled December 18 to 22.
Eugenio Lacson, vice governor of Negros Occidental, said that while this event is new, he is hoping the best athletes from the province will stand out.
“Expectations are high that Negros Occidental will do well in the regionals. And for other local government units, it will also be a challenge for them to compete against the province,” he said.
Lacson added that through sports events, characters of athletes can be developed.
“If you’re in sports, discipline is important in molding the character. That’s more important than winning the medals,” Lacson added.
Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.’s message stated that sports competitions do not only hone the physical and mental abilities of the Negrense youth, it also instill the values of discipline, hard-work, and excellence.
Marañon added that the athletic meet is a welcome activity and a fitting occasion to awaken school pride and spirit of sportsmanship among the students in the newly-created region.
Director Gilbert Sadsad, Department of Education-NIR, said that the historic event will brings them closer to their dream of strengthening One Negros as they mold their values, skills and talents toward a future society of well-disciplined and talented individuals.
“I rally behind our theme, School Sports: Training Ground for Future Champions and Leaders. This event will have a deep impact on our learners as they excel in sports, and educators as they motivate and venture towards development of local as well as global sports and talent skills standards.” Sadsad said. (HGD)