DUMAGUETE CITY – For the first time ever, this capital of Negros Oriental is hosting the Philippine Youth Games – Batang Pinoy, also known simply as Batang Pinoy, with some 18 events scheduled from November 10 to 16.
Batang Pinoy 2017 reeled off Friday afternoon with a parade around the city streets participated in by about 3,000 athletes, coaches, and tournament officials from 50 provinces, cities and municipalities in the Visayas Region.
The athletes, aged 15 years old and below, will be taking part in the different events over the next six days at different playing venues that include the Lamberto Macias Sports Center, Aqua Center, the convention center, Rizal Boulevard and Foundation University, among others.
Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Celia Kiram will declare the games open following the parade late Friday afternoon at the sports complex here.
The yearly Batang Pinoy aims to provide a venue for the young to train and excel in their chosen sports so they can compete in international events.
Senator Miguel Zubiri will be arriving on Saturday while PSC Chairman William I. Ramirez is coming on Monday for the Batang Pinoy, said City Information Officer Dems Rey Demecillo.
Events include archery, boxing, judo, swimming, triathlon, arnis, chess, karatedo, table tennis, volleyball, athletics, cycling, sepaktakraw, taekwondo, badminton, dancesport, softball, tennis, weightlifting, and beach volleyball. (PNA)
