Aklan ready to host the regional athletic meet
KALIBO, AKLAN -- The province of Aklan has expressed readiness to host the 2010 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet on March 14 to 19.
Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez said this is the second time for Aklan in 20 years to stage the biggest regional sports event to be held at the Aklan Calangcang Sports Complex in Makato, Aklan and other sports venues.
Marquez said the colorful opening ceremonies is scheduled on March 15 at the Aklan Calangcang Sports Complex with former Defense Secretary Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro, Jr. as guest speaker.
“Athletes from elementary and secondary divisions in the region will compete in the weeklong WVRAA. The Department of Education (DepEd) Aklan and the provincial government are working hand in hand to make sure the preparations for the regional meet is smooth,” he stressed.
Marquez said his provincemates will also showcase their hospitality in this prestigious multi-sports event in Western Visayas. The newly refurbished Aklan Calangcang Sports Complex, he said, boosts of an Olympic-size swimming pool, main grandstand and a rubberized track and oval.
Over 2,500 athletes are expected to compete in basketball, taekwondo, athletics, tennis, badminton, baseball, chess, football, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, archery, volleyball, boxing, and arnis.
Dr. Mary Ann Lopez of Deped Aklan said the sports complex is almost 95 percent complete and is ready before the sporting event kicks off on March 14. The athletes will not only compete in individual and team sports but will also showcase their talents in the cultural and beauty competition at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports and Tourism Center in the capital town, she added.
Lopez said billeting areas and transportations for the six delegations of Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras and the host province of Aklan are also already in place.
Meanwhile, security plans for the weeklong event are being finalized by the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) to ensure the safety of athletes, coaches and visitors in all billeting areas and sports venues.
