Cebu City prepares for worst in Batang Pinoy

PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN, Philippines — Team Cebu City hopes to deliver the goods, but is bracing for what could be its worse finish in the history of Philippine Sports Commission’s Batang Pinoy National Championships.

The action in the multi-sporting event goes full blast today at the Speaker Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex, here.

“We expect the worse, but still want to keep moving positively and hopefully win the overall crown. We continue to instill to the athlete that perseverance, patience, and commitment to play our very best will help us in succeeding,” said Cebu City Sports Commission chairman Edward during yesterday’s opening ceremony.

TCC failed to defend its national crown last year to host Baguio City when the latter raked gold medals in martial arts-related events.

During this year’s regional finals, the Cebuanos were also dethroned by host Iloilo City.

Aside from the coaches and the athletes, even the CCSC itself also had its own challenges, but Hayco reminded the coaches and athletes to play well in return for the full support extended to them by the Cebu City government of Mayor Edgardo Labella.

“Despite a short time in preparing, Mayor Labella gave us full support,” added Hayco.

Close to 250 LGUs from all over the country will vie for supremacy in the National Championships features 31 sporting disciplines.

TCC has 271 athletes and coaches spread in different sporting events, while Cebu Province has 199 delegates.

Mandaue City has 62 athletes, Lapu-Lapu City with 60, Talisay with 20, Naga with 13, Danao with 10, San Fernando with four, while Bogo and Consolacion have three and one representatives, respectively.

The top 5 overall performing LGU’s gets cash incentive from the PSC for the LGU’s sports development program. The champion gets P3 million, while the second and third placers get P2.5 million and P2 million, respectively. (FREEMAN)