CAPITOL NEWS

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – “Today, we reaffirm our commitment not only to sports, but also to the better future of the next generation of Region 1.”

This was the call of Governor Amado I. Espino, III, in his keynote address during the opening of Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet 2018 held at the Alaminos City National High School Athletic Grounds on February 11.

Anchored on the theme: “One DepEd, One Region, Nurturing and Transforming Lives through Sports,” the R1AA Meet 2018 kicked off with about 10 thousand athletes and officials comprising various teams of Region 1 including: Pangasinan II, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan I, La Union, Candon City, San Carlos City, Urdaneta City, Dagupan City, Batac City, San Fernando City, Laoag City, Ilocos Sur, Vigan City and Alaminos City.

Governor Amado I. Espino, III exhorts Region I athletes to bring home the victory not only in sports but also in the arena of life.

Professing his love for sports, Gov. Pogi invoked Region 1 athletes to reach every player’s shared goal to bring home the victory with aspirations to become a better person at the end of the game.

“Sports, just like life, must always bring out the best in you,” Gov. Pogi said as he stated that R1AA Meet 2018 aims to hone one’s prowess in sports and one’s character.

“Today and in the coming five days, we celebrate sports, we celebrate life and we celebrate your better future” Gov. Pogi added as he pledged full support to sports-related undertakings of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Gov. Espino also urged the athletes that when they head back home, they must continue to compete in a bigger arena: “to win in life.”

On the other hand, Alaminos City Mayor Arthur F. Celeste beamed with pride as he welcomed the delegates to the Home of the Hundred Islands as he underscored some of the thorough preparations for the total success of the R1AA Meet 2018.

Governor Amado I. Espino, III (center), Mayor Art Celeste along with DepEd officials, lead the releasing of doves and balloons which symbolize unity among athletes participating in the Region 1 Athletic Association Meet 2018 Opening Ceremonies in Alaminos City on February 11.

As the host of the R1AA Meet, Mayor Celeste expressed his immense gratitude to the unwavering support of the provincial government, especially, Gov. Pogi. “Kung wala po ang ating keynote speaker, wala po tayo dito sa kinatatayuan natin ngayon,” Mayor Celeste said as he lauded the contributions of Gov. Pogi in sports endeavors in Pangasinan.

Mayor Celeste also disclosed future plans of making the Alaminos City National High School Athletic Grounds rubberized through the assistance of Gov. Pogi.

Meanwhile, DepEd Legislative Affairs Undersecretary Alberto T. Muyot, who served as the guest of honor and speaker in the R1AA opening program, urged the young athletes to foster sportsmanship all throughout the athletic meet.

“It is never just about winning or losing but how each game is played with fairness and graciousness,” Atty. Muyot said.

Professing the countless number of times he visited the province of Pangasinan, USec. Muyot extolled Governor Amado I. Espino, III for bringing the R1AA to the province of Pangasinan.

Urging every athlete to give their best shot, Muyot reiterated the essence of manifesting sportsmanship and camaraderie as hardwork pays off in the end.

At the end of the program, DepEd Region 1 Regional Director Dr. Alma Ruby C. Torio led the declaration of of the R1AA Meet.

Fourteen participating divisions of Region 1 will be battling for championship in the following sports events: athletics, archery, arnis, badminton, baseball, basketball, billiards, boxing, chess, dance sport, football, futsai, gymnastics, pencak silat, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, lawn tennis, volleyball, wrestling, wushu and goal ball.

Closing and awarding ceremonies of the R1AA Meet was held on February 16. /Shiella Mae De Guzman

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