BORACAY – The biggest annual sporting event in the region has been postponed amid growing concerns from the deadly 2019 novel coronavirus (2019 nCoV) that originated in China.
The 2020 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet – supposed to be on Feb. 15 to 22 – will be rescheduled, according to the Department of Education (DepEd) in Aklan.
DepEd-Aklan announced the indefinite postponement after a meeting with Gov. Florencio Miraflores, Schools Division Superintendent Miguel Mac Aposin and the sports committee.
“We have rescheduled the WVRAA as advised by health authorities to a later date considering the present situation where the province of Aklan is still addressing the nCoV,” Aposin said.
“All systems go for the playing venues and billeting quarters but the safety of the athletes and sports officials is our top priority, and we will hopefully move the WVRAA before the end of the school year,” Aposin added. “Let us take the postponement positively, we will then have enough time to prepare for the WVRAA. Buligan natun tanan ang pagpatikasug sang WVRAA.”
The final date for the week-long sporting event will be discussed during the Regional Management Committee meeting on Feb. 5.
Prior to the postponement, around 6,000 student-athletes and sports officials from elementary and high school in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental have already set their eyes winning medals and proceeding to the 2020 Palarong Pambansa to be held in Marikina City.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
