The national championship of the Batang Pinoy sports program was recently held in Puerto Princesa City. The province of Palawan was the host for this year’s event which saw Baguio City retain the overall championship from among over 100 local government units that competed.
The final tally saw Baguio City capturing 61 golds, 45 silver, and 70 bronze medals.
Second place went to Cebu City, far behind Baguio with 36 gold, 34 silver, and 35 bronze medals.
Davao came in 3rd with 31 gold, 30 silver, and 41 bronze medals.
Over 6,000 athletes competed in 31 sports events. Athletes under 15 years of age were allowed to compete, thus they can evaluate how they are progressing in their sport.
The question remains: How did the LGUs from the province of Negros Oriental perform?
Well, there is good news, and there is bad news. First of all, only three LGUs from the Province actually sent athletes to compete, and who eventually earned medals: Bayawan City, Dumaguete City, and the province of Negros Oriental.
All three LGUs combined for a total of 10 golds, 10 silvers, and 21 bronze medals. Not too good for a City that prides itself in the area of sports.
So who do you think was tops for the Province? Well, it was Bayawan City that took 34th place overall, with five golds, seven silvers, and 13 bronze medals.
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Next came Dumaguete City placing 38th overall, with five golds, three silver, and seven bronze medals.
Finally at 107th place came Negros Oriental with a single bronze medal.
Sad indeed, but as I have written before, Bayawan City is clearly on a mission with varied government agencies working together to improve their sports image.
I have been coaching here in the City of Dumaguete for over 10 years now. Coaching and developing young athletes takes a lot of passion and determination.
A number of times, I have thought of giving up on Dumaguete City and thinking of coaching elsewhere where there is less talk and more action. But I currently have two athletes whom I’m coaching now, and I just can’t give up on them.
In practice, they obey all my directives, and that is all a coach can expect. I am very proud of these two, and I gave them a full scholarship for their schooling. They train twice a day, and have greatly improved.
In the end, I help them set their goals, and I expect some great athletic achievements from them, but if plans don’t succeed, I’m okay with the outcome; I just need them to take their academics and sports seriously.
I also coach for West City Elementary and Piapi High School.
My simple desire is for those in leadership positions to Wake Up.
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Author’s email: [email protected]
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