Colorful opening ceremony awaits WVRAA meet
KALIBO, Aklan — The host province of Aklan, famous for its Ati-Atihan festivals, will showcase in full colors the ‘Amazing Aklan’ in the 2010 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet opening ceremony today March 15.
Featuring more than 1,000 cultural performers and dancers from various schools in Aklan, the grand parade of around 3,000 athletes, from elementary and secondary divisions, representing the six athletic delegations of Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras and the host province Aklan at the newly built Aklan Calangcang Sports Complex in Makato, Aklan will commence at 8 a.m.
After the parade of participating delegations in the center of the sports complex, the formal opening ceremony will start with the doxology and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by Madalag Teachers’ Choir and the Aklan Hymn by Gaynor Calizo.
Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, who is also the WVRAA Meet honorary chairman, will introduce former Defense Secretary Gilberto ‘Gibo’ Teodoro, Jr. before he delivers his message. 2009 Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Macky Delfin and silver medalist Noriel Pellio, 2009 National Arnis Encounter gold medalists Rainier Paulo Vallejo and Vendelle Magdael will lead the entrance of the torch and the lighting of urn.
2008 Palarong Pambansa chess bronze medalist Mira Mirano and 2009 Palarong Pambansa badminton gold medalist Jezelle Panado will lead the Athlete’s Oath of Amateurism along with representatives from the different competing delegations followed by Oath of Officiating Officials by Julieta Braga, regional coordinator of the Task Force on School Sports and Special Events.
DepEd regional director Mildred Garay will formally open the weeklong multi-sports event before the release of doves for peace and the unity cheer dance of the athletic delegations. The ceremony will be capped off by playground demonstration from Teachers’ Pep Dance, Kalibo I and II Districts, Banga District, Numancia, Lezo, Malinao and Makato Districts and traditional performances from Altavas National School students to welcome spectators to the games.
The regional sports event will run until March 14 to 19 in more than 10 venues across the province. (Boy Ryan B. Zabal)
