Marikina lifts covers off Batang Pinoy ’12

MANILA, Philippines—About 7,000 young athletes will see action when the POC-PSC Batang Pinoy 2012 gets going with the National Capital Region leg firing off on Monday in Marikina City.

Philippine Sports Commissioner Jolly Gomez said they expect a bigger number of participants following the success of last year’s multi-leg competitions that culminated in Naga City.

This time around, there will be six legs to be held around the country that will lead to the National Finals in Iloilo City this December.

“Last year we had 3,500 participants and we expect that number to double this year as local government units get involved in helping the PSC and the Philippine Olympic Committee to stage the biggest talent identification program,” said Gomez.

The likes of young archer Bianca Gotuaco stood out last year. The promising athlete also shone in this year’s Palarong Pambansa where she won seven gold medals.

“We are once again trying to net the best athletic talents the country could offer, that’s why we put up the sports that Filipinos can excel in international competitions,” added Gomez during yesterday’s launching held at the PSC canteen.

Events to be played are athletics and swimming at Marikina Sports Center; taekwondo, arnis and judo at  Riverbanks Activity Center; chess and table tennis at Marikina Convention Center; badminton at Marikina Sports Hub; lawn tennis at Rancho/Toyo; volleyball at Marikina City Center covered gym; and boxing at Marikina Elementary School/Freedom Park.

The rest of the legs will be in Northern Luzon on Oct. 10 to 13 in Pangasinan, Southern Luzon on Oct. 24 to 27 in Mindoro, Mindanao on Nov. 7 to 10 in Cagayan de Oro, Visayas leg on Nov. 21 to 24, and National Finals on Dec. 5 to 8 in Iloilo City.