The city government of Marikina on Tuesday started the distribution of PHP1,500 worth of shoe vouchers to around 2,300 coaches, members of the national technical working group and members of the Palarong Pambansa Secretariat.

Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, who led the distribution of the shoe vouchers at the Marikina City Hall, said the vouchers can be exchanged for shoes at any stall at the Palaro Shoe Bazaar located adjacent to Freedom Park.

Teodoro also called for a sustainable national sports program to help young Filipino athletes achieve their full potential.

“Nais natin ng isang national sports program na sustainable at para sa kabataang Pilipino. Kaya ninanais ng Pambansang Palaro na ito ang batang malakas sa kanyang kaisipan at katawan ay para sa bansang matatag. (We want a sustainable national sports program for the Filipino youth. The national games aim to give rise to children who are mentally and physically strong towards a resilient nation). Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag,” Teodoro said in his speech during the opening ceremony of the games.

Teodoro said heavy rains in the past few days did not dampen the spirits of the delegates who went on with their performance despite the downpour during the Palaro’s grand parade.

Teodoro also noted that this year’s national games have brought together student-athletes from the 17 regions in a show of unity as one nation.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte and Teodoro led the opening of the Palaro at the Marikina Sports Center (MSC).

The games’ opening ceremony commenced with a parade of student-athletes, starting from the Marikina River Park to the Marikina Sports Center.

During the parade, the delegates were accompanied by marching bands and Marikina students who performed the regional dances of each delegation.

Giving additional spectacle to the festive event was the dragon boat exhibition at the Marikina River organized by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation.

After all delegates converged at the MSC, the program proper kicked off with the Oath of Sportsmanship led by volleyball star Alyssa Valdez followed by the oath of officiating officials led by Jonathan Oscar Jimenez, boxing tournament director.

Volleyball player Bea de Leon and basketball player Mark Barroca led the lighting of the Palaro friendship cauldron, together with the team captains representing the 17 participating regions in this year’s national games.

During the opening program, 1,000 pigeons were released to symbolize Palaro’s call for peace and unity.

The official opening marks the start of the game proper which will run from Aug. 1 to 5. (PNA)