GMA challenges PRISAA athletes: Pres. Arroyo expects one of them to win medal in Beijing Olympics

Lingayen, Pangasinan - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hurled a very tough challenge to the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) athletes as the country's Chief Executive expects one of them to reap medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Inaasahan natin na ang champion dito ay makapaglaro at makapag-uwi ng medalya sa Beijing Olympics," said Arroyo during the opening ceremonies of the PRISAA National Games yesterday at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here.

Arroyo said she firmly believes this multi-sport event is a mining site for sports talents.

Other dignitaries who graced the affair include Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose "Peping" Cojuanco, acting Philippine Sports Commission chairman Leon Montemayor, and commissioner Ambrocio de Luna.

"Isini-celebrate natin si Manny Pacquiao. Isini-celebrate natin ang mga kampion sa Southeast Asian Games at ngayon ang mga private schools. Pananatilihin nating buhay ang private schools. Kaya tayo mamahagi ng mga educational funds para sa mga estudyante ng public high schools, para kahit yung mga mahihirap, pwedeng makapag-enroll sa private schools sa college," Arroyo added.

During the program, PRISAA showed to the people of Pangasinan and the rest that it is indeed the breeding ground for the country's future Olympians by giving due recognition to its athletes who did well in the 23rd SEA Games.

Among the PRISAA outstanding athletes mentioned were tracksters Mercidita Manipol, Mary Grace Melgar and Lovely Manalit, female boxers Annie Albania and Analiza Cruz, fencer Rolando Canlas, gymnasts Noel and Al Ramirez, taekwondo bet Donald Geisler, Thomslee Go, Alexander Briones, Ester Marie Singson, and several batted sports players, table netters, wushu artists and chess players.

The abovementioned SEA Games medallists are also expected to show up and display their prowess, giving an added challenge to the rest of the athletes all over the country.

A couple of politicians, schools officials, representatives from DepEd and CHED, DOH and other government agencies also attended the kick-off bash, but it was PRISAA national president Dr. Gonzalo Duque of host Region I who got the most applause other than Arroyo.

"Wag tayong matulad ng mga politiko. Wag tayong mag-away-away. Let us not be like the politicians. Magsama-sama tayo lahat in the spirit of sportsmanship through hardwork and teamwork," said Duque,

It was a striking message that even Arroyo could not help but give nod and a wide smile.

A field demonstration and a drum and bugle corps exhibition were performed by thousands of students coming from the different schools in Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, Janice Ann Bautista and Jefferson Querubin handed Cebu's first two medals for Central Visayas in the week-long athletic meet.

Bautista grabbed the bronze in women's high jump after leaping to a distance of 1.3 meters.

Region VI-A's Kayce Maala took the gold with 1.45m as Region-VI's Maylen Marquillina got the silver with 1.33m.

Querubin of the University of San Jose-Recoletos also bagged bronze in shotput. He heaved the iron ball to a distance of 12.1m.