THREE Negros Occidental-based track and field athletes have been selected to represent the Philippines in the 2019 Arafura Games slated from April 26 to May 4 in Darwin, Australia.
Franz Gela Romualdo Bintad, May Therese Gula and Ara Babora Delotavo, all from Bacolod Tay Tung High School, were selected by the Philippine Sports Commission for the annual sporting event.
Bintad, who hails from Escalante City, Negros Occidental, will carry the country’s colors overseas for the second time after previously suiting up in the 10th ASEAN School Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“Blessed to have this opportunity again but I know it will not be easy because I will be facing tough opponents,” said Bintad, who will compete in discus throw. “Basta I will go there to give my best and hopefully take home a medal.”
Gula, who is from Bacolod City, will be competing in the 800 meters and 1,500 meters dash, while Silay City-native Delotavo will be participating in the hurdles event.
The Arafura Games in a annual multi-sports event which were participated by athletes from territories belonging in East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania/Pacific, Americas, Persian Gulf, Europe and Africa.
Aside from athletics, other sporting events to be played are table tennis, boxing, football (soccer), badminton, swimming, tennis, muay thai, sailing, indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, weightlifting, basketball, hockey, netball and sepak takraw.
An integrated para program in athletics, swimming, tennis, netball and table tennis are included the Arafura Games, which returned for the first time since 2011./PN
