MANILA, Philippines—About 500 local and foreign athletes making up 28 squads will see action in the 2008 Milo National Open track and field championships starting Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Seventeen gold medals are at stake on Day One with women's discus throw, long jump, pole vault, high jump, 3000m, 5000m, 110m hurdles scheduled this morning.
Lined up in the afternoon session are men's and boys' hammer throw and 110m; women's and girls' discus throw, long jump, and 10,000 meter run.
Keynoting the 9:30 a.m. opening ceremony is Senate President Manuel Villar with Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco, Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Eric Loretizo and PSC executive director Fr. Vicente Uy.
Athletes from Malaysia, Hong Kong and Korea are entered in the three-day International Athletics Federation-sanctioned event, which serves as a qualifier for the Beijing Olympics.
The local charge will be spearheaded by the likes of long distance specialist Mercedita Manipol, hurdlers Grace Melgar and Sarah dela Virgo, who are supported by TMS Shipping president Terry Capistrano.
