Let the games begin

CEBU, Philippines — Thousands of aspiring student-athletes from all corners of the region open up their quest for supremacy as action in the 23rd Milo Little Olympics Visayas Finals goes full blast today in different venues.

Through the years, the annual sports conclave bankrolled by Nestle Philippines for elementary and high school jocks has become a springboard to success for some of Cebuano athletic stars in the mold of queen Mary Joy Tabal, taekwondo champ Rinna Babanto and sepak takraw standout Rheyjhey Ortouste who all formed part of Team Philippines in the ongoing 18th Asian Games in Indonesia.

“I was a kyurogi player when I participated in my first Milo Olympics. It really helped me not just as a player but also as a person. Facing different opponents around Visayas made me improve my confidence and techniques during the game. It was a great experience to play such huge event in Cebu,” said Babanto, who delivered bronze medal for the country in the continental event held only once in our years.

A total of 15 disciplines are featured in the three-day joust.

The medal-rich athletics and swimming as well football and sepak takraw will be played at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Basketball and volleyball will be at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, chess, gymnastics, karatedo, scrabble, table tennis and taekwondo at SM Seaside City, badminton at the MetroSports, and tennis at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club and CitiGreen Tennis Resort.

The University of San Carlos-BED is raring to defend its title in the secondary division but the Carolinians must prepare for tough challenge from the University of Cebu (UC).

St. John Institute of Bacolod is also determined to retain its elementary crown. Out to give them a run for their money are the University of the Visayas, USC-BED, SHS-Ateneo and University of San Jose-Recoletos.

Aside from the Bacoleños, the other out-of-town contenders are from from Kalibo, Ormoc, Antique, Iloilo, Bohol and Dumaguete.

By the numbers, 168 schools will compete in elementary and 147 in the secondary action.

For the overall standings that will be based on points and not medals, the top 10 schools in both divisions will be feted. There will also be a Most Outstanding Athlete in each sporting event.