CAMIGUIN (PIA)--With about 880 players from the five towns, here, the Palarong Panlalawigan or Division Athletic Meet resumes in the province, February 10, after years of hiatus due to coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic.

"Sports is part of the K–12 curriculum, so holding of any events can be considered a co-curricular activity. For three years, we have not held any even a lower meet for example, intramurals, because of the COVID-19 restrictions," Schools Division Superintendent Edgardo Abanil said. 

He added that the conduct of the sports events could also be a way to help learners cope with mental stress as these could stimulate health interactions among their fellow athletes.

As to winning, Abanil urged the players to dwell more on being able to join their events and being happy with what they have.

For his part, Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo cites two important things to ponder in the conduct of the event, which include unity among the players and leaving a legacy to the youth.

"In three generations daw malimtan na ta but then I think kung naa ta'y natabang ani nga mga bata, in a way na ma-improve ang ilang kinabuhi, okay lang bisan nalimtan na ta pero at least medyo na-change nato ang trajectory sa ilang kinabuhi," Romualdo said.

They say that we will be forgotten in three generations, but I believe that if we can help these children in a way that improves their lives, it is okay for us to be forgotten.At least, we were able to change the trajectory of their lives)

Players flocked to the Cong. PPR Tourism and Sports Complex with delegates from Sagaya (135), Catarman (183), Mahinog (253), Mambajao (222), and Guinsiliban (87). 

The events include the athletics that will be held at the Cong. PPR Tourism and Sports Complex; basketball at Lakas covered court; badminton at Mambajao Central School gym; billiards at Yumbing National High School; boxing at Agoho Townsend Boxing gym; chess at the Division Office conference room; Dancesport at the Camiguin Convention Center; lawn tennis at the Camiguin Capitol; table tennis at the Mambajao NHS Tennis Club; sepak takraw at Kugita Covered Court; and volleyball at Lagundi Covered Court for the elementary schools category and at Balbagon Covered Court for the secondary schools category.

Looking forward to the said events after training on a daily basis, one of the players, Nicole Kat Perez, 16, said, "Ga-expect ko nga ang mga players kon athlete nga ma-boost ilang confidence and then mapakita nila ilang mga skills and dili lang kay pirminti sila mag-stay sa ilang comfort zone kung di [mag-interact] pud sila sa other schools and then interact sa uban nga mga player."

I anticipate that the players or athletes will gain confidence and demonstrate their abilities. They should also not just stay in their comfort zone, but also interact with the other schools and players). (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)