Aklanon athlete goes to Malaysia for track and field competition

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Bemedalled Palarong Pambansa athlete from Aklan will represent the country in the 2nd Asean School Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 12 to 22.

Andrade, a first year high school student of Andagao National High School of Arts and Trades, was selected by the Deped Task Force on School Sports for her record breaking performance during the 53rd Palarong Pambansa in San Jose, Tarlac on April 11 to 17, 2010.

"Although Andrade was a sixth grader of Dumaguit Elementary School when she broke records in elementary athletics girls, the Deped has chosen her to participate in Malaysia competition for exposure," said Mary Ann Lopez, team manager of athletics women.

Andrade, a native of Dumaguit, New Washington, Aklan, registered new Palarong Pambansa records in long jump, triple jump and 100 meter dash. She erased the old mark of 4.99 meters in long jump set in 2000 with a leap of 5.07 meters.

She also claimed the elementary triple jump with a record 10.80 meters and won the gold medal in 100-m dash with a time of 13.39 seconds. At the end of the Palarong Pambansa, Andrade was crowned as the highest pointer athlete in elementary girls.

To prepare for her stint abroad, Andrade resumed her track and field practice at the newly-built Aklan Calangcang Sports Complex in Makato, Aklan before the Philippine team leaves for Malaysia on July 9. The track and field competition is the first international trip for the young Andrade, who has the best potential to excel in athletics, according to former national hurdler and athletic coach Renato Unso Sr.

Meanwhile, Andrade also received the 13th Ultimate Sports Idol title last month for her outstanding performance in Palarong Pambansa where she is assured of full college scholarships from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

Aklan's sports program through the leadership of Governor Carlito Marquez has produced athletes competing in international events and brought honor to the country and the province in the likes of chess player Mira Mirano.