Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday commended Negros Occidental's top school-based athletes for bringing honor to the province with their victories in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet that ended Friday in Bacolod City.

Marañon said he hopes the athletes will continue their winning streak in the 2007 Palarong Pambansa set from April 22-29 in Koronadal, South Cotabato.

Provincial Schools Division Supt. Eva Belicena said that the athletes and coaches of Negros deserve the championship crowns.

"Their discipline, team unity, cooperation, and the common goal to uplift the name of Negros paid off," she told the DAILY STAR in a telephone interview.

She also thanked Gov. Marañon, the provincial board members, and the athletes' parents for supporting the Negros campaign.

Meanwhile, Department of Education's Nanette Roa said that individual and team gold, silver, and bronze winners will receive P800, P600, and P400 respectively.

Top medal winners include elementary division tanker Kiefer Piccio and runner Aldin Flores who clinched seven and three golds respectively, and thrower Maika De Oro with two golds.

Swimmers Miguel Villanueva, Dominique Balinas, and Carmela Nava notched seven, four, and three gold medals, respectively at the Panad Olympic Pool. Throwing standout Jossie Entrina and sprinter Keizel Pedriña won three gold medals apiece.

PALARO PREPARATIONS

In a separate interview, Negros Occidental Sports Development officer-in-charge Manuel de Oro stressed the importance of early training for the Palaro-bound athletes.

He said the athletes must be given extended training time, citing that that swimming and track and field players usually get 30 days of training before the national meet while athletes for the other events are trained for 15 days.

He added however that the training period extension depends on the budget the provincial government will provide.

De Oro added that coaches must maximize their chances of winning by ensuring that players are physically, mentally, psychologically, and spiritually prepared for the Palaro. *PP

back to top

Guv commends Negros athletes
Gorres suffers controversial loss
NBS players vie in 'Pacman' event
Luat stays in title hunt
Last-gasp triple sends Talisay past Bad Boyz