11-nation PATAFA meet opens May 10
IT’S all systems go for the PATAFA (Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association) National Open Invitational Athletic Championships on May 10 to 12 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen.
The participants from 11 nations and the organizers have been assured that the facilities and preparations for the events have not been affected by Typhoon Emong.
Some 800 athletes, coaches and other guests are expected to arrive for the games that are jointly sponsored by the Dagupan City government and the Pangasinan provincial government.
Competing are athletes from Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and host Philippines.
The events include pole vault, high jump, long jump, relay, hurdles, hammer throw, javelin throw, discus throw, shotput and meter races.
Dagupan Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr., PATAFA national chairman, expressed hope that the holding of an international meet in Pangasinan will serve as inspiration for the local athletes to excel more in their chosen fields.
Arriving for the opening program of the three-day meet are Philippine Olympic Committee Chairman Jose “Peping” Cojuangco and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Harry Ang Ping.
Ryan Ravanzo, Dagupan City information officer, said some of the foreign athletes and coaches have already started to arrive in Lingayen last Friday.—LM
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
