Ex-athletics stars vie in Asia Masters

MANILA, Philippines - Team Philippine Masters left for Japan the other day, ready to compete against their counterparts from 35 other countries in the 18th Asia Masters Athletics Championships, which got under way in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan.

Former Asian track aces Elma Muros-Posadas, Reynato Unso, Emerson Obiena and Erlinda Lavandia head the 20-man Philippine contingent to the event, an Asian Amateur Athletics Federation-sanctioned program where former national and veteran track and field athletes across Asia compete. It also serves as a venue for the former stars to continue their passion for competition even after their prime.

The Filipinos bagged eight golds, seven silvers and 11 bronzes in Taipei two years ago.

Pataga president Philip Juico, which graced the send-off luncheon last Tuesday, noted the local program as contributory to the promotion of physical fitness and sports as a way of life.

“The organization has been participating in the biennial meet since 1996 and in the world masters since 2003. It is therefore a sound program worthy of support,” said Juico.

The team, backed by Petron, San Miguel Corp., Sportscore, Accel,L-Time Studio, Soma, El Lobo Energy Drink, PCSO, PSC-POC, will see action in sprint and middle distance races with several field events calendared in their week-long campaign.

Other members of the team are Margarito Banigued, Julio Bayaban, Salve Bayaban, Victorina Calma, Antonio Chee, Mario De Santos, Susan Ealdama, Danny Fresnido, Edward Kho, John Lozada, Edward Obiena, Jeanette Obiena, Elenita Punelas, Dennis Scott and Lorna Vejano.