ANTIQUE – Seventeen gold medalists from this province who triumphed at the 2025 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet intensified their training in preparation for this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
Dr. Evelyn Remo, chief of the School Governance and Operations Division of the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Antique, said yesterday that the athletes are dedicating extra hours to practice with their coaches, aiming to deliver outstanding performances at the Palaro, scheduled for May 24 to June 2 in Ilocos Norte.
“The athletes with their coaches are doubling their time to practice after school hours and even during weekends –despite the challenge of keeping up with their academic requirements,” Remo said.
She said that among the athletes who will be sent to the Palaro are gold medalists Brico Pe, who won in the 100-meter backstroke, and Ronin Manjares Pe in the individual taekwondo poomsae event.
Additionally, two elementary learners who won in the dance sports category at the WVRAA will be heading to the Palaro.
Two female volleyball players will also be part of the Negros Occidental secondary girls’ volleyball team, which claimed victory at the WVRAA held in Antique from March 1 to 8.
“Most of our Antique athletes who will be representing the Western Visayas Athletic Delegation in the Palaro are into individual sports,” she said.
With the 2024-2025 school year ending on April 16, the athletes will have more time to focus solely on their training for the national competition.
Remo called on schools and local communities to extend their support, emphasizing that the Palaro is a valuable platform for the young athletes to showcase their skills on a national stage. (PNA)
