MANILA -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar urged athletes participating in the 22nd Caraga Athletic Association - Regional Sports Competition (CAA-RSC) to continue striving for excellence, not only in their respective sports but also in life.
Andanar made this call during the competition’s opening ceremony held at Provincial Sports Complex, Surigao City on Sunday.
“In every sport event, the essence of the games is the spirit of valor that one defining moment when skill and stamina are made to triumph over all odds,” Andanar said in his speech.
“As you go about the forthcoming days of these sporting events, remember likewise your aim -- to achieve excellence not only in this field but most especially in life and all its multifarious concerns,” he added.
Andanar said although athletes represented different sports, they were “one in spirit in the challenges of the games.”
“You have put aside your other concerns as participants, you have trained to be the best not just to compete but also to win,” Andanar said.
“Every track and field you run, every high jump you attempt, every stroke of the swimming pool, every weight lifted and every event where your expertise is put to the test,” he added.
The sports event, with the theme “Achieving Excellence in Sports”, started last Feb. 24 and would end on March 1.
Some 10,000 athletes, chaperones, trainers, and coaches from 12 schools’ divisions in Caraga Region will be vying for the championship.
In his message, Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas emphasized the significance of promoting sportsmanship, regardless of race, religion and culture.
Matugas also thanked the Department of Education-Caraga for choosing Surigao City as host of this year's regional sports competition.
Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas, meanwhile, said in sports, there is no political boundaries since it promotes building bridges that create good relationship, renewal of friendship and enhancement of skills.
She said the next venue for the CAA-RSC will be Siargao Island. (PNA)
