Support for the Palaro ng Bayan snowballed yesterday when heads of 15 national sports associations confirmed their attendance in Saturday's opening ceremonies in General Santos City.
Led by Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association president Go Teng Kok, judo's Capt. Rey Jaylo and pencak silat's Sultan Kiram, the 15 NSA heads are scheduled to leave for Mindanao tomorrow, the eve of the nine-day sports gathering exclusive for athletes aged 13 to 18 years old.
The show of support by the NSAs is an added boost to the Palaro ng Bayan, the national community sports development program of the Estrada Administration for both in- and out-of-school youth.
No less than President Estrada and his son Jinggoy, the national president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines who is speaheading the program, will lead some 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials in the opening rites on Saturday afternoon.
Philippine Sports commissioner Butch Tuason will also be on hand together with commissioners Leonardo Celles, Richie Garcia, Monico Puentevella and Tisha Abundo as well as Dr. Anthony Nicanor, executive director of the PnB national secretariat.
Earlier in the day, the Palaro ng Bayan flame will be lighted at the City Hall before General Santos City Mayor Adelbert Antonio, South Cotabato Gov. Hilario de Pedro, Saranggani Gov. Priscilla Chiongbian and Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangundatu.
Other NSA heads expected to grace the inaugural bash at the Acharon Sports Complex are Rolando Rivera (softball), Ben Villarama (shooting), Mario Tanchanco (sepak takraw), Ping Fernandez (taekwondo), Ric Poblete (bowling), Rufino Go (table tennis), Hector Navasero (baseball), Eduardo Ledesma (swimming), Jimmy Ong (wushu), Rodones Sicat (weightlifting) and Joaqui Preysler (cycling).
The Basketball Association of the Philippines will be represented by either president Freddie Jalasco or secretary-general Graham Lim.