Arroyo to grace Manila Youth Games opener

The finest 12-under athletes from all over the country will gather at the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex today for the inaugural staging of the Manila Youth Games.

First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Eric Buhain will join Manila Mayor Lito Atienza as guests of honor in the opening ceremonies scheduled to start at 5 p.m.

About 3,000 children athletes will see action in 12 sports disciplines starting tomorrow in two venues – the RMSC and nearby San Andres Gym. The event will end next Sunday.

Plaques of recognition will be handed out to great athletes produced by Manila. They are Filemon "Boy" Codiñera of baseball, Akiko Thomson of swimming, Andres Franco of athletics, Chito Garma of chess, Felicisimo Ampon of tennis, Joaquin Loyzaga of football, Adriano Torres of badminton and Ricardo Fortaleza of boxing.

The MYG, being organized by the Manila Sports Council headed by Ali Atienza, will have competitions in athletics, badminton, chess, dancesports, football, gymnastics, softball, swimming, table tennis, lawn tennis, taekwondo and volleyball.

Manila’s domination of the third Philippine National Youth Games – the Batang Pinoy – last December in Bacolod City inspired the city to develop its own 12-under sports development program.

Arroyo and Buhain will be the keynote speakers while Mayor Atienza will declare the Games open. A colorful fireworks display will cap the opening ceremonies.

"Through the MYG, we hope that we are fulfilling our contribution to the country’s grassroots sports development program and providing Manila’s youth a wholesome endeavor that will help mold them into assets of the society," said Mayor Atienza.