LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Department of Education-Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (Deped-SDOIN) held this year’s Ilocos Norte Division Athletic Association (INDAA) at the newly refurbished Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium on Jan. 16.

More than 2,700 young athletes, coaches, technical officials, heads of athletic delegations, division personnel, and local government officials joined in the parade and opening ceremony.

Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc served as the guest of honor and speaker, who even affirmed his support for the Ilokano athlethes.

“In the midst of us today are our many future champions, and may we hope that this event is one step in their growth not only as athletes but also as individuals and as members of the Ilokano community,” said Manotoc.

Some participants expressed their excitement in the conduct of the sports meet in the reopened stadium that boasts of world-class facilities and amenities.

“It brings pride and gives us goosebumps because we were the first to use our stadium. As we can see, it is not just a simple stadium but a world-class one,” said Emil John Lumabao, coach of the Basketball Team at Pinili National High School.

The INDAA concluded on Jan. 18 wherein winning teams were awarded and will represent the province in the upcoming Region 1 Athletic Association Meet to be hosted by Ilocos Norte.

In the elementary level, the champion is south zone, east zone landed first place, central zone as second runner-up, and north zone ended as third runner-up.

Meanwhile, in the secondary level, the central zone is declared champion, south zone came in first runner-up, east zone as second runner-up, and north zone finished as third runner-up.

The province of Ilocos Norte is looking forward to its hosting of the Palarong Pambansa in 2025. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)