3,000 athletes ready for 2011 WVRAA meet

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Iloilo City and the province of Iloilo will host this year's Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet for elementary and secondary divisions from March 20 to 24.

Iloilo Sports Complex will serve as main venue of the five-day Palaro for 3,000 athletes competing in 15 sports events.

The athletic meet was last hosted by the province of Aklan in Calangcang Sports Complex.

This year's theme of the multi-sports event is "Enshrining School Sports in Western Visayas." WVRAA is composed of athletic delegations from six provinces - Aklan, Guimaras, Antique, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Capiz.

Iloilo Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Raymundo Lapating said the annual competition does not only center on the events but on the crystallization of the essence of sports in the life of the young and promising individuals who shall be showcasing their abilities.

"We want to hone their skills and maximize their potentials and at the same time inculcate love for sports not for just winning but for the love of the game itself. Above all, we want to indoctrinate desirable attitude, excellent behavior and admirable character among each athlete," he said.

"Today, competitors in the Olympics promise that they shall abide by the rules of the games, will act in an honorable and sportsmanlike manner, and not use any performance-enhancing drugs. Likewise, our young athletes also swore to compete with dignity and honor. We hope that they will live a life of a true sportsman, not merely inside the sports arena but in the real battle of the human race."

In the opening program today, the parade of athletes and participants start at 4 p.m. from Jaro Plaza to the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz District.

Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog along with 2011 WVRAA Meet Honorary chairman and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. will deliver the welcome remarks for thousands of spectators, guests and delegates.

Deped regional director Dr. Mildred Garay will formally open the biggest sporting event in Western Visayas.

PLAYING VENUES
Aside from the main venue Iloilo Sports Complex, the designated venues for 15 WVRAA events are:

Arnis - Division of Iloilo City Social Hall

Archery - WVCST New Site

Athletics - WIT New Site (Throwing Events) / Iloilo Sports Complex

Baseball - Central Philippine University grounds

Badminton - Sportsville badminton courts

Basketball - Iloilo Sports Complex

Boxing - Plazuela (beside SM City Iloilo)

Chess - SM City Cinema Lobby

Football - Iloilo Sports Complex

Sipa - Iloilo Sports Complex

Softball - West Visayas State University grounds

Swimming - Iloilo Sports Complex swimming pool

Taekwondo - Gaisano City Activity Center

Table Tennis - SM City Activity Center

Tennis (elementary) - La Paz Plaza

Tennis (secondary) - Iloilo Sports Complex Tennis Courts

Volleyball - SM City Parking Area / Iloilo Sports Complex Volleyball Courts