Cebu to host PRISAA Meet

CEBU, Philippines -  Cebu will host this year's Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Regional Meet after Bohol begged off from the hosting chores as it is still recovering from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the province nearly three months ago.

"Bohol is supposed to host the PRISAA Meet but they could no longer carry out the task because they're still in the recovery process following the powerful  earthquake that hit the province. And during our recent meeting with PRISAA-7 officials headed by our president Fr. Vic Uy, it was agreed upon that Cebu will take over the hosting job," said National PRISAA Desputy Secretary-General for the Visayas Bernard C. Ricablanca.

Though no longer the host, Ricablanca said the good thing is that Bohol will still be fielding in a strong 200-man contingent to the multi-sport conclave scheduled to be held on February 15-16 mainly at the Cebu City Sports Center.

"I thought that Bohol won't also be competing that is why I was very happy to learn from Fr. Uy that they will be sending a huge number of athletes here," added Ricablanca. "It's really a pleasant news, a good sign that after the calamity, they have already moved on as sports enthusiasts."

Ricablanca, who is also a Cebu City Sports Commissioner, said Fr. Uy will again convene the members of the PRISAA Board this Thursday to finalize everything regarding the two-day joust particularly the logistics and the financial aspect of the athletic meet.

The event serves as the selection process for the region's representatives to the PRISAA National Collegiate Games calendared for April 6-12 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City.

Ricablanca said they're looking forward to the Nationals with excitement not only because Central Visayas is the defending champion but also because the region is set to receive the first ever Dr. Emmanuel Angeles 'Hall of Fame' Award for accomplishing a rare grandslam feat.

Central Visayas dominated the PRISAA National Championships for three consecutive years from 2011 to 2013 held in Zamboanga City, Cebu and Lingayen, Pangasinan, respectively.

"It's really something that we are looking forward to," said Ricablanca. "Come the regional PRISAA, we will make it sure that only the best of the best would represent Central Visayas because we are aiming to continue our winning streak. It's something we can truly be proud of if we will make it four in a row."

Founded in 1953, PRISAA is an association of private schools, Christian schools, and home school athletic departments throughout the country.

A total of 18 events will be contested in the coming games. These are baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, football, sepak takraw, softball, volleyball, athletics, badminton, boxing, chess, dancesport, judo, karatedo, lawn tennis, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo. (FREEMAN)