Over 500 athletes representing this city in the upcoming Ilocos Region (Region 1) Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet have received new pairs of shoes courtesy of the city government.
“This initiative is our way of showing our full support to them, and hopefully, it will enhance their training and boost their performance, especially their morale,” said Mayor Michael Keon on Friday, two days after he started personally handing the running shoes to the 551 athletes at the Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium.
With the distribution of running shoes, the city government hopes to give its athletes a competitive edge and improve their chances of winning gold medals in the R1AA.
As a former athlete himself, Keon said athletes must be equipped with the necessary gear so they could perform the best they can in major competitions.
He added that the city government of Laoag is now in the process of establishing the Laoag City Sports Development Council to boost the training of their athletes.
The regional sports event will be held in San Carlos City, Pangasinan province from May 14 to 19 and is expected to draw hundreds of athletes from different parts of Region 1.
In preparation for the major sporting event in the region, the city has invested in sports facilities and national trainers to develop the skills and talents of its athletes. (PNA)
