The city government is looking forward to welcoming more local and international athletes here following the successful turnout of the first Laoag City Sand Dunes Challenge.

On Sunday, around 300 top runners in the Philippines and two athletes from Kenya conquered the scenic, undulating and hilly terrain, featuring 5K and 10K category running events along the La Paz sand dunes overlooking the West Philippine Sea.

Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon expressed hopes to double the number of participants next year as the “challenging terrain and uniqueness of the environment coupled with the cool weather and strong winds made it an exciting, refreshing, and exceptional running experience.”

The event was sponsored by PLDT and Smart Communications Inc.

He said big events like this can be a major tourism opportunity for the city.

In preparation for bigger sports events and to train more local athletes, the city government has allotted around PHP15 Million for the establishment of a running track and some sports facilities.

The budget will also cover the creation of the Laoag City Sports Development Council for the 15 clustered Barangays in the city which will be led by sports coordinators from the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Laoag City.

Arsenio Cabacungan, education program supervisor of DepEd Laoag City said in an interview Monday that preparations are in full swing for the Laoag City Athletic Association Meet sports for peace to start on March 4 at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.

The event aims to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and physical fitness among the youth featuring athletics, basketball, volleyball, football, chess, and badminton, among others.

With the new guidelines in choosing teams to represent the city in the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) meet, schools were advised to establish their own sports club that will serve as a training ground for sports-inclined learners.

City Schools Division Superintendent Vilma D. Eda said events like this are opportunities for learners to showcase their athletic skills and talents, as well as to build character and discipline through sports.

“The event also serves as a platform for identifying potential athletes who may represent the city in future regional, national, and international competitions,” said Eda citing each school created its own sports club for this purpose.

A total of 39 public and seven private schools are set to participate in R1AA.

Laoag athletes are notable in gymnastics, badminton, and swimming as well as basketball, futsal, football, taekwondo, baseball, and chess. (PNA)