Aklanon athletes train harder than ever

IT

is always my earnest prayer and hope to hit the championship or to rank second from NCR [National Capital Region]. We can make it. I always pray that in my daily devotion. I pray harder than ever. We must dream big for this 2017 Palarong Pambansa come this April 23 to 29.” This was the statement of Ma. Gemma M. Ledesma, Department of Education Region 6 regional director.

That follows her order that the training of athletes must commence on March 1 and may end on April 17 or beyond. There are 30 to 45 days – or more than that – training requirement in all events. The winning team adapts the pick- up athletes in the school where they are having the training. The athletes attend class after practice so that the education of the child will not be left behind.

The training venue of the sports event in the Division of Aklan are the following:

* Aerobic Gymnastic - Balabag Elementary School, Balabag, Malay

* Arnis - Saint Gabriel College, Old Buswang, Kalibo

* Athletics - Aklan Sports Complex, Calangcang, Makato

* Billiards - Boracay National High School, Boracay, Malay *Chess - ABL Sports Complex, Kalibo * Gymnastics ( RG) - Chocolate Houe, Tigayon, Kalibo

*Goal Ball - Aklan Public School Teachers’ Association

*Pencak Silat - Estancia Gym, Estancia, Kalibo *Swimming - Marson, Kalibo *Tennis - Aklan National School for Arts and Trade Capitol Site, Kalibo

*Wrestling - Jawili Integrated School, Jawili, Tangalan

This year’s training is monitored by the Regional/Division Monitoring Team. The attendance is checked daily. Those who are not attending the practice will be replaced by the alternate. The coaches, trainers and the like who will not attend the daily practice will only receive the allowance vis a vis their attendance.

The provincial government through Gov. Florencio “Joben” T. Miraflores approved the P2.6-million budget for the training of athletes. This is to give our athletes the best training the province can provide and to inspire them with this big support.

The 2017 Palarong Pambansa will be held at Binirayan Sports Complex, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique./