Bigger, better, grander: 18th Milo Little Olympics-Visayas Finals kicks off today

CEBU, Philippines - A record field of close to 6,000 athletes from 280 elementary and secondary schools in the region will once again converge in the Queen City of the South to flex their athletic muscles as the 18th Milo Little Olympics Visayas Regional Finals unfolds today at the Cebu City Sports Center.

"We're getting bigger and better each year because we look even up to the smallest of details. There is an increase in the number of participants and the level of competition is getting higher every year that is why we always develop new concepts," said Milo Sports Executive Robert 'Robbie' de Vera in a press conference yesterday at Sarrosa International Hotel.

"For this year, we have some significant improvements particularly the addition of basketball," added De Vera. "Given all the preparations we had, it is with great honor that I welcome everyone to witness intense rivarly and sports competition in the next two weekends."

The annual spectacle bankrolled by Nestle Philippines will kick off with another elaborate opening rites starting off with the parade of athletes at 1 pm.

"We're preparing another grand opening with lots of surprises for the spectactors and competitors alike to see," said local organizer Ricky Ballesteros, the genius behind the success of countless sports and cultural events in Cebu. "For instance in the lighting of the urn, we have an element of surprise in store for everyone."

Cebu City Mayor Michael L. Rama, Deparment of Education (DepED)-7 Director Carmelita Dulangon, and Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent Rhea Mar Angtud banner the list of distinguished guests who are expected to grace the two-our program that will start with a production number from the Abellana National School (ANS) Dance Troupe under the theme "It's More Fun in the Philippines."

Decorated spiker Ulyross Lopez, a member of ANS boys volleyball team that won bronze medal during the 5th ASEAN School Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, will do the honors of lighting the urn of peace and unity.

The respective oaths will be administered by Fritz Michael Sagaad for the athletes, Eduardo Estoconing for the coaches, and DepEd Physical Education and Sports Supervisor Vivian Ginete for the officiating officials.

Aside from the selection of the Miss Milo Little Olympics for both levels and the intermission number by the University of the  Visayas Cheerleading Team, the other highlights of the affair is the lively and colorful cheerdance contest.

Special awards will also be given away to the biggest delegation, most disciplined contingent, loudest cheer, and Best in Saludo.

With the inclusion of basketball that will be played in four venues due to its huge turnout of entries, a total of 14 events will now be contested in what is considered as the country's biggest and best-run multi-sport competition for school-based athletes that is funded by a private entity.

The rest (in alphabetical order) are athletics, badminton, chess, football, gymnastics, lawn tennis, scrabble, sepak takraw, sipa, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, and volleyball.

Exciting action on all fronts will commence tomorrow yet at different venues where athletes slug it out for precious slots to the National Finals that will be hosted anew by Cebu this October. (FREEMAN)