Games in CVIRAA to start on eve of formal opening

CEBU, Philippines – Games in this year's Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet will start even before the formal opening of the multi-sport conclave in the municipality of Balamban later this month.

Action will commence on the eve of the opening ceremonies scheduled on February 26.

All events will be staged in Balamban except for swimming, which will take place at the Cebu City Sports Center.

There will also be a special competition for Special Education athletes.

This marks for the first time that Balamban is hosting the annual athletic meet among school-based athletes.

A solidarity mass at the Balamban parish church will kick off the week-long tilt to be followed by the traditional parade of athletes at 4 p.m. at the Mayor E.S. Binghay Sports Center.

A total of 21 sporting disciplines will be contested, three of which are demonstration sports in futsal or indoor football for secondary girls and wrestling and wushu also in the secondary division.

Regular medals are at stake in athletics, archery, badminton, baseball, basketball, billiards, boxing, chess, football, gymnastics, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. (FREEMAN)