Contaminated water downs 67 young Zambo athletes

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Contaminated water downed 67 young athletes, mostly from elementary and high schools in this southern port city, while preparing for the regional athletic meet next week, authorities said.

City councilor Rudy Lim, who heads the task force overseeing the regional meet, said the young athletes, together with some staffers, experienced severe stomach pain and were immediately rushed to hospitals for treatment.

Ibrahim Kenno, director of the division of city schools, cited initial medical findings tracing severe stomach pain to the young athletes’ water intake.

"There was no signs of vomiting from the food that were served to most of the victims," Kenno said in a radio interview.

Lim assured the parents of the young athletes that they are now in good condition.

About a thousand young athletes across the region are expected to arrive this week for the week-long regional meet to be held at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Sports Complex.