Cojuangco, Elizalde urge unity thru Olympism

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco called for solidarity in the face of adversity while International Olympic Committee representative in the Philippines Frank Elizalde Jr. encouraged Filipinos to stay engaged in sports at any age during the Olympic Day celebration at the Rajah Sulayman grounds in Malate Sunday.

In brief inspirational messages, the two premier movers of Olympism in the country also urged their countrymen to stand behind the Olympic Movement which galvanized the unity among local national sports associations.

 “We have high hopes for the country’s new leadership so I urge everybody to unite for the sake of change,” Cojuangco said.

“I encourage everyone to commit themselves to sports as it can only bring about good results and stay in sports even in their senior years to prolong life,” said Elizalde.

Hundreds of runners took part in the 116th anniversary of the Olympic Movement that has drawn the support of more than 200 countries all over the world.

Melvin Duarte of San Sebastian topped the 10-kilometer race in 32 minutes 57 seconds to pocket the P10,000 top prize while Darwin Lim of Far Eastern University submitted a 33:29 to place second worth P5,000. Rafael Poliquit of Letran finished third in 33:37 and took home P3,000.

In the 5-k race exclusive for individuals in wheelchairs, the top three finishers were Juanito Mingarine (19:21), Julius Obero (19:37) and Marcos Rabasto (19:43). All three won the same amount of cash prizes.

The 2-k race for kids 13 years and under hosted by sponsoring firm Hi-Smart Vitamins turned into Leveriza Running Club show as Barely Nichelle de Vera dominated the field with an 8:07.11 clocking to win P3,000. Rance Gavian (8:46.49) finished second worth P2,000 while Anderson Arawag (9:32.60) came in third and received P1,000.

Other backers of the event were Magnolia, Milo Energy Drink, Gandiva, supplier of archery gears, Smart, the Mabalacat Tribal Association, and the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, which provided the top three prizes for a raffle among participants in the 2-k fun run.

“We just renewed our commitment to work behind the Olympic Movement,” said POC Sports for All committee chair Joey Romasanta, adding that this year’s celebration was highlighted by the presentation of the Youth Olympic Games torch prior to the start of the races.