ATHLETES from as far as Mindanao, the Visayas and Southern Luzon are competing in the 3rd Zambales Multi-Sport Festival which fires off today in various venues in the province.
Participants from Cagayan de Oro, Bohol, Mindoro, Batangas, Camarines Norte and Laguna signed up for the weekend competitions with the Philippine windsurfing team also among those joining the 36K kayak marathon.
The event is part of Zambales Gov. Hermogenes “Jun” Ebdane’s drive to put his province on the map as a primary destination for local and foreign tourists in the country.
“Part of my vision for Zambales is to promote an active lifestyle, particulary among the youth,” he said. “The younger generation of tourists is becoming more active and health-conscious, and Zambales offers the perfect topography for water, land, and trail sports.”
The province has hosted several national and international sports events, including the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association games held early this year.
“I have been hearing about kayaking tours in the country, so we decided to bring kayaking to Zambales,” said Ebdane.