Tacloban bets seek relief thru Batang Pinoy

Bacolod City , Philippines   â€“ More than providing the battle ground, the Batang Pinoy National Finals would also serve as a tool for youngsters from typhoon-hit Tacloban to recover from Yolanda and embrace hope after their nightmarish experience.

Some 30 athletes from the Leyte Sports Academy – all rendered homeless and some orphaned by the Yolanda’s wrath – will be joining the top 15-and-under bets from all over the country in the five-day hostilities that fires off today.

The Taclobanons have been adopted by the Philippine Sports Commission and have relocated to Manila, where they tried to pick up the pieces and gear up for the Jan. 28-Feb. 1 Batang Pinoy.

“All of them were struck by the typhoon and yet they will be taking part here. It’s a good sign from the athletes to show that they’re on their way to recovery,” PSC chairman Richie Garcia said during yesterday’s press conference at the Grand Regal Hotel also graced by Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Eugenio Lacson and Art Puentevella, the representative of Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella.

The bets from Leyte will be among 2,000 participants aiming to show their stuff in 21 sports over the next five days.

Garcia said he even expects the Taclobanons to be a contender here.

“Watch out for Tacloban, they will come in strong. They train in Manila with the national team, I’m sure they’ll have a good showing,” he said.

The Batang Pinoy, which saw a change in both venue (due to armed crisis in Zamboanga) and dates (due to Yolanda) finally opens shop today at 5 p.m. at the Bacolod Public Plaza.

Mayor Puentevella and Negros Occidental Gov. Afredo Maranon will deliver the welcome address and declare the games open while Garcia will give the inspirational speech.

Softball signals the start of competitions at Bacolod National City High School in the morning. Heavy action starts tomorrow with 15 other sports, including centerpiece athletics and swimming, slated to open.