19th Cebu City Olympics on today

CEBU, Philippines - Rain or shine, the much-awaited 19th Cebu City Olympics will kick off at 2 pm today at the Cebu City Sports Center.

In the event of a heavy downpour, however, the grand opening starting off with the parade of athletes will be cancelled.

The annual sports conclave is usually set in November, but officials of the organizing Department of Education (DepEd) decided to hold it earlier so the outstanding achievers could have ample time to further hone up their skills as they aim to improve their fourth place finish in the Palarong Pambansa next year.

“We already planned about this after we had our post evaluation. It’s our longtime dream to lift our No.4 standing in the Palarong Pambansa. Second place would be fine but it would be better if we could snatch the top post,” said DepEd-Cebu City Division Physical Education in School Sports (PESS) chief Nenita Pardenilla.

DepEd-7 PESS head Dr. Danilo G. Villadolid echoed the Pardenilla’s sentiment.

“We hope that by holding this annual sporting event earlier, it would have an impact to the performances of our athletes who will be representing the region in the National Palaro,” said Villadolid.

Expected to grace today’s kick-off salvo are acting Mayor Michael L. Rama, councilor Gerardo Carillo and CHED-7 director Dr. Amelita Biglete.

“We are hoping for a good weather for the next two weekends but if the weather will not be fine, then we will be forced to cancel the games and re-schedule it to another weekend,” said Pardenilla.

This year’s edition of the multi-event gathering is supported by Nature’s Spring, M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala, Julie’s Bakeshop, Monde Nissin, Psalmstre, Nestle Ice Cream, Energy FM, Creative Weddings, Rogemsoni Company Inc. Cy Designs and Images, Radical Ads, and Yayoy’s Grill and Resto Bar.    (FREEMAN NEWS)