ILOCOS SUR. – Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio will grace the opening ceremony of the PSC-Batang Pinoy National Championships, hosted by the provincial government of Ilocos Sur, that gets going this Saturday at the Quirino Stadium in Bantay.
The two boxing champions, now established names in the sport, are proud products of the PSC’s grassroots programs. Also joining them are Olympic judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, SEA Games gold medalists Chloe Isleta and Mary Allin Aldeguer.
“The Batang Pinoy program has already produced numerous champions in various sports since it started in 1999. I am sure that the stories of our bemedaled athletes will inspire our young athletes who will be competing in Ilocos Sur to reach the heights they have achieved,” said PSC Chairman Noli Eala, who is expected to formally open the Batang Pinoy Games, his first major project as sports agency chief.
The Batang Pinoy (National Youth Games) is one of the PSC’s centerpiece programs for grassroots sports.
Also expected to attend the opening rites are Ilocos Sur Gov. Jeremias “Jerry” Singson, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, and officials of various National Sports Associations, among others.
About 6,000 participants from over 140 local government units are set to compete in nine disciplines — archery, athletics, badminton, chess, cycling, table tennis, swimming, weightlifting, and obstacle course racing, a demo sport.
Games get going opening day for archery at the San Ildefonso Central School, badminton at the Ilocos Sur Badminton Center, chess at Baluarte Function Hall, swimming at Quirino Stadium, and table tennis at San Vicente Gymnasium.
Eight other disciplines — arnis, dancesport, judo, karate, muay, pencak silat, taekwondo, and wushu — will be virtually via the PSC Facebook and YouTube platforms.
This year’s Games will be held in partnership with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Department of Interior and Local Government Unit and the Department of Education, and co-presented by Milo Philippines, Pocari Sweat Otsuka Solar Philippines, Universal Robina Corporation, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Globe Telecom, and Beautéderm.
