CEBU, Philippines - Axel James Taboada of the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) topped the elemetary boys shot put event to claim the first gold of the 21st Cebu City Olympics yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center.
The victory wasn't served on a silver platter as Taboada committed fouls in his first two attempts. Luckily in his third try, he breached the six-meter mark to qualify for the finals.
“I was really worried when my first two attempts were not successful but in my last throw, I gave my all. I asked help from God to give me a chance to qualify and fortunately, it was an answered prayer,” said the 12-year-oldTaboada.
Taboada heaved the iron ball to a distance of 8.1m. Allan Joy Cartuciano of Unit IV claimed the silver in 7.95m, while Taboada’s teammate Jan Dean Durano got the bronze in 7.94m.
In the girls division, Jan Ailyson Pajantong of the University of San Carlos-Basic Education Department (USC-BED) reigned supreme with a distance of 7.46m. Shari Johnna Gallardo of CIT-U placed second (7.08m) followed by Kim Obuta of Unit IV (6.99m).
In the secondary class, Syril Sheene Garcia of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (7.6m) and Bera Rose Saragena of CIT-U (7.7m) got the golds in the boys and girls categories, respectively.
In high jump event, CIT-U’s Jhuvan Jhen Baculot lorded it over in elementary girls class after clearing the high bar at 1.2 meters. Her teammate Mary Angeline Treyes came in second (1.15m).
University of Cebu’s Kirstie Kaye Vinco won the gold in the secondary girls high jump in 1.35m. Her teammate Shantel Tanucan settled for second place in 1.3m.
Kenneth Bingco of CIT-U (1.30m) and Jersell Cabatino of UC (1.45m) secured the elementary and secondary boys high jump titles.
In the 1,500m run, Unit V’s Ria Japitan claimed the elementary girls title with the time of five minutes and 50.21 second, while John Paul Zaratum triumped in the boys side with a 5:42.62 clocking.
In the secondary division, USPF’s John Cliff Debulosan ruled the boys class with the time of four minutes and 36.46 seconds, while Jenneth Recto of Talamban National High School (Unit 8) snared the girls crown in five minutes and 49.78 seconds.
Football
Over at the USC-TC field in Talamban, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and Maria Montessori International School (MMIS) booters blanked their respective opponents.
USJ-R overpowered USC, 4-0, while MMIS fended off the Salazar Colleges of Science Institute of Technology (SCSIT), 11-0.
In the elementary division, Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) and Bright Academy also spared no mercy against their rivals.
DBTC thrashed Cebu Eastern College (CEC), 17-0, while Bright Academy trounced Camp Lapu-Lapu Elementary School, 5-0. City Central School also joined the winners' circle after thumping Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus (SHS-H), 7-1. (FREEMAN)