Region VII wins 6 golds in Day 1 of National Special Olympic Games

The swimming team was off to a rousing start, carting away six gold medals as Central Visayas started its campaign in the 11th National Special Olympic Games held at the ULTRA swimming pool in Pasig City.

Renato Ramirez was at the top of his form as he grabbed three individual gold medals to lead his team in the competition specially tailored for persons with mental disabilities.

Ramirez reigned supreme in the 50-meter breaststroke, 50-meter butterfly and 100-meter butterfly events.

He also was part of the team, which won the gold medal in the 4x50m freestyle relay for the open division.

The other members of the relay team, which was coached by champion maker Lando Alvarez, were Merlin Monteclaro, Geovannie Gemena and Andrew Qui.

Qui, for his part, was also a gold medal winner as he dominated the 100m breaststroke event.

Gemena, on the other hand, won a silver in the 100m freestyle while Monteclaro pocketed the silver medal in the 50m breaststroke and the bronze in the 100m breaststroke.

In the distaff side, it was Joana Saula Oppus, who takes the cudgels for Central Visayas, as she won the gold medal in the 100m breaststroke.

The Central Visayas team also joined in the track and field competitions but the results were still unavailable since there were problems regarding the officiating of the games.

But coach Ilde Banzon said the bets from Region VIII "did good in their respective events." - Rafael S. Alas III