Palaro draws record field in Agusan

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Philippines — Over 13,000 delegates converge down South as Agusan del Sur hosts for the first time in the Palarong Pambansa.

With guidance from the lead agency, the Department of Education, Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. promises a hosting for the ages starting with a grand opening ceremony tonight at the D.O Plaza Memorial Sports Complex, assembling the brightest and finest student-athletes from the archipelago’s 18 regions, the National Academy of Sports (NAS) and Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO).

“Handa ang ating mga atleta, handa ang ating mga delegasyon, at handa ang Agusan del Sur,” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara during the media presser yesterday as Mindanao from Luzon last year houses the 66th edition of the country’s premier summer competition for elementary and high school students.

With a theme of “Palaro Tu Agsur: Unlocking the Future through Sports,” it’s anticipated as one of the biggest in history after gaining 1,255 additional delegates or a 10.47-percent increase compared to last year’s edition in Laoag, Ilocos Sur, the home province of President Marcos who personally opened the games.

This makes the official delegation to over 13,247 comprising 10,718 student-athletes, 1,600 coaches, 440 assistant coaches and 489 staff with over 5,000 family members, relatives and friends also trooping to Agusan del Sur for a full backing.

Over 1,500 medals will be at stake cross over 30 disciplines in 36 venues.