NCR claims Li’l Olympics overall crown

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region emerged overall champion of the Milo Little Olympics national finals, completing a grand slam to claim the perpetual trophy in the meet held at the Marikina Sports Center.

NCR finished with 647.5 overall points, with a difference of nearly 85 points against top rival Team Visayas.

The Bisdaks garnered an overall score of 563 points for second place, while Team Mindanao secured third place with 436 points. Team Luzon placed fourth with 393.5 points.

Visayas reigned in the elementary division with 315 points. The Bisdaks excelled in individual and team sports, including football, boys’ swimming and boys’ volleyball. NCR was second with 298.5 points, Mindanao third with 232.5 and Luzon fourth with 174.

NCR ruled the NCR division with 349 points with wins in athletics, football, sepak takraw, swimming and girls’ volleyball. Visayas was second (248), Luzon third (219.5) and Mindanao fourth (203.5).

The opening ceremony was graced by Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman, Philippine Olympic Committee president Peping Cojuango, POC vice president Joey Romasanta, DepEd NCR director Luz Almeda, Nestle chief executive officer and chairman John Martin Miller and Nestlé business executive manager for beverages Sherilla Bayona.

Milo champions Japoy Lizardo, Christina Garcia-Long and Rio de la Cruz took part in the festivities and aided student-athletes as they lit the Olympic flame.

During the awards rites, held in conjunction with Milo’s 50th anniversary, recognigtion was given to the 50 Most Outstanding Athletes, who were selected from each sporting event, both in the elementary and secondary divisions.

To further encourage the student-athletes to aim for excellence in sports and in life, the 50 awardees were each given a cash prize of P10,000 worth of educational assistance fund, a plaque of recognition, and a one year supply of Milo products.

“The Milo Little Olympics is a big part of Milo’s long-standing commitment in giving our promising young athletes the best sporting experience through quality competitions. The success of this event would not be possible without the support of our partners, the Department of Education, and the local government,” said Milo sports executive Robbie de Vera.