Cebu Provincial Meet: Badian begins title defense

CEBU - Defending champion Badian will start its title retention bid as games of the Cebu Provincial Sports and Cultural Festival 2008 commence today in Liloan, Cebu.

Badian, which got the most of their golds from the swimming and archery events, will be challenged by other 44 municipalities seeing action in this year’s Provincial Meet.

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, after lighting the symbolic festival urn, congratulated Mayor Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco of host Liloan and co-hosts Consolacion and Compostela mayors Avelino Gungob and Ritchie Wagas for meeting her expectations in the preparation for the week-long sports conclave among the province’s best athletes.

In her keynote speech, Garcia emphasized the important things that the athletes should instill in their minds.

“Sports and culture maoy makapahiusa sa atong Sugbo. In this provincial meet, you will develop discipline, hardwork and teamwork. And because of this sporting activity, this will make one bond, the bond of us being Cebuanos. The culture that bears the beauty of our souls. And will let us say, I am proud to be a Cebuano,” said Garcia.

On the other hand, Department of Education (DepEd)-7 PESS Chief Vivian Ginete expressed her warm welcome to all the participants from the different municipalities of Cebu and imparted key points and values that they should have as athletes.

“The DepEd wants to develop learners who are not only academically competent but also physically fit and mentally alert. Let us be guided by the sporting values as we pursue excellence in sports. Excellence can only be achieved with utmost dedication to ones field of interest if you want to be on top of competition,” said Ginete.

“You must be willing to learn to sacrifice and hurdle obstacle that will come your way and always find ways to strengthen your determination in order to attain your dreams and goals,” Ginete added.Games will begin today and will culminate on Friday.

Yesterday’s opening salvo, which drew a crowd of over 10,000, was attended by the mayors of the different municipalities.

Mayor Frasco, in his opening message, said that Liloan is prepared and ready for this event.

 “After months of preparations. We have met the challenge and I am proud to say that we are now ready” said Frasco. - FREEMAN NEWS