3,800 bets start quest in National Games

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines-  – Over 3,800 athletes, both old and new faces out to show their mettle in 34 athletic fronts, get their day in the sun as the POC-PSC National Games blasts off today here and nearby Bago, Talisay and Silay cities.

A synchronization of all the National Open tournaments of the various national sports associations (NSAs), the PNG runs until May 29, providing the venue for 696 mainstays from the Phl team and pool and a large group of young aspirants from all over the country to prove their worth and possibly earn the right to don the country’s tri-colors.

The weeklong games, according to PSC chairman Richie Garcia, commissioner Jolly Gomez and POC chairman Monico Puentevella, have been designated as the first criteria that all those vying to book a trip to the Southeast Asian Games must hurdle.

“The members of the Team Phl are participating because this is the first step towards the SEA Games,” Puentevella said during yesterday’s presscon that was also attended by PSC commissioners Chito Loyzaga and Akiko Thomson-Guevarra, POC secretary general Steve Hontiveros, and Philspada chief Mike Barredo.

Garcia said with the prestige and possible SEAG ticket at stake, they expect national records to fall – even at the hands of non-members of Team Phl.

“Anybody who will break any record, we’ll strongly endorse him to the NSAs. I’m sure if the NSAs see that these athletes are breaking national records, they’ll go out of their way to recruit them,” the PSC chief said.

The POC-PSC National Games kicks off today with 3K, 5K, and 10K fun runs at the New Government Center with Azkals stars Phil and James Younghusband joining 4,000 participants. Spicing up the kick-off festivities is the first Philippine Cheerdance Championship slated at 3 pm at the St. John Institute.

Action in canoe-kayak and dragonboat commence at the Bantayan Park, Bago River in Bago City, while arnis combatants take the mat at the Silay City Plaza in Silay City.

Competition will go full-blast tomorrow yet with centerpiece athletics, beach volleyball, gymnastics, karatedo, lawn tennis, and volleyball raising their curtains.