Laguna hosts two events of Milo Little Olympics

MANILA, Philippines - Laguna will host not one but two Milo Little Olympics events, including the national finals on Oct. 23-25 which is expected to draw more than 5,000 athletes from 200 schools nationwide at the Laguna Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz.

“We’re happy to partner with the province of Laguna this year as our host of not just one, but two events including the national finals this October in Sta. Cruz,” said Milo sports executive Robbie de Vera in yesterday’s event launch at the Shakey’s Malate.

De Vera, who was accompanied by Milo executive Andrew Neri, Laguna’s Vincent Soriano and Von Cruz and NCR Little Olympics director Robert Calo, said Laguna will also stage the National Capital Region-South Luzon leg on Aug. 28-30, also in Sta. Cruz.

Neri said the four regional legs of the annual event, now on its 28th year, fires off with the Mindanao stage starting tomorrow in Cagayan de Oro City while the Visayas’ stage will be held Sept. 11-13 in Iloilo.

All the gold medalists in the regionals will qualify to the national finals in Sta. Cruz.

“With a new regional leg to be hosted by a new city, two new venues, and two new sports, we are expecting even more excitement as well as more spectators which we expect to reach more than 5,500 from about 200 schools nationwide,” said Neri.

Soriano said Laguna will be more than ready to host the national finals.

“We are excited to host the Milo Little Olympics and we welcome everyone to our beautiful province,” he said.

The Milo Little Olympics has produced a slew of champions who have become members of the national, including Japoy Lizardo of taekwondo, Mika Reyes of volleyball and Hannah Dato of swimming.

“Through the Milo Little Olympics, we hope to provide these young champions a chance to showcase their athletic abilities, determination and drive in the national arena as the first step towards achieving greatness in the international scene including the SEA, Asian and hopefully the Olympic Games,” said De Vera.

The 2015 Milo Little Olympics is backed by Wilson, Mikasa, Molten, Butterfly, Marathon and 2Go Travel.