DAVAO—The search for new sporting heroes starts when the 2019 Palarong Pambansa featuring the finest student athletes from all over the country blasts off Monday in this bustling southeastern Mindanao city.
Medal-rich events athletics and swimming take centerstage with a rush of gold medals staked in the first day, while the rest of the sports in the one-week calendar of the event reserved for the best elementary and high school athletes will kick off their elimination-round games.
President Duterte led the opening rites at the UP Mindanao Complex here where each of the country’s 17 regions are well represented by at least 540 athletes from various sports, 130 coaches and officials.
“This national sporting event has truly become a platform for cultivating camaraderie, discipline and excellence, especially among the Filipino youth,” said Mr. Duterte.
“Its competitive events have also strengthened their character and determination to succeed in their chosen sports as well as in their academic endeavors,” he added.
There are 20 track and field golds to be offered in Day 1 with the first gold expected to come from the 3,000-meter run.
“As you compete in the different events, which Davao will host for the first time, I trust that you will uphold the noble objectives of this program, including the promotion of greater peace and understanding among our people through sports,” said Mr. Duterte.
Titles in the secondary boys’ long jump, secondary girls’ discus throw, elementary boys’ long jump and elementary girls’ discus throw are also scheduled in the morning.
The organizing Department of Education (DepEd), however, couldn’t ascertain if the Palaro track meet will be facilitated by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.