Mayor Michael Keon has expressed optimism about hosting Region 1’s (Ilocos) medal campaign in the 65th Palarong Pambansa, which kicks off at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium on May 24.
After 57 years, the annual tournament organized by the Department of Education is returning to the hometown of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“We’re very happy that Ilocos Norte is hosting the Palaro, and of course, most of the venues and billeting areas are here,” Keon, who served as Gintong Alay executive director, said in an interview on Thursday.
About 800 athletes, including 60 from Laoag City, will represent the region, composed of the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.
Laoag City won back-to-back titles in the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet, which serves as the qualifying level for the Palarong Pambansa.
Meanwhile, city sports officer Hipolito Salva said the 60 athletes from Laoag have prepared for the Palaro. They will compete in gymnastics, wushu, wrestling, arnis, taekwondo, futsal, lawn tennis, and athletics.
“We’re ready. Our athletes are competitive. We’re hoping to bring home medals in track events and gymnastics,” said Salva, who noted that former national athletes Erlinda Lavandia and Renato Unso helped train the Laoag athletes. (PNA)
