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By Emil C. Noguera, Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for this year’s Palarong Pambansa,
which will be hosted by Puerto Princesa, are in full swing.
Len Toledo, head of Task Force Palaro, said
rehabilitation of competition sites including the resurfacing of the
track oval, repainting of billeting and other working areas are
still ongoing.
“The local government of Puerto Princesa is
doing well when it comes to preparation. They even spent less than
P20 million to resurface their oval,” said Toledo.
Medical terminals are also being constructed in
all competition venues to assure that athletes and officials will be
taken care of during the tournament.
Venues are expected to be completed as early as
next month as Puerto Princesa will host the Mimaropa (Oriental and
Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) Regional Meet
on April 6 to 9.
“The regional meet will serve as dry run for
the Palaro. The host city wants a smooth and trouble-free conduct of
the country’s biggest competition,” said Toledo.
Meanwhile, besides tae kwon do’s regular event
kyeorugi (sparring), the poomse (form) will be added in the calendar
of events in elementary and secondary levels.
Other sports to be contested are athletics,
archery, arnis, badminton, basketball, baseball, boxing, chess,
football, gymnastics, sepak takraw, sipa softball, swimming, table
tennis, lawn tennis and volleyball.
The Department of Education, which is organizing
the Palaro with technical support from the Philippine Sports
Commission, has allotted P60 million for the national tournament for
athletes 18 years and below.
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