Sunday, May 22, 2011

Philippine National Games

It's all systems go for the opening of the Philippine National Games (PNG) of the Philippine Olympic Committee–Philippine Sports Commission on Sunday at the New Government Center (NGC) here.

The ceremony will kick-off with the 3-in-1 Fun Run (10K, 5K and 3K) to be joined by some 2,500 runners led by Philippine Football Team–Azkals stars Phil and James Younghusband.

After the fun run, a short program will take place at NGC grounds to be attended by POC and PSC officials, as well as the mayors and vice mayors of Negros Occidental, and the participating athletes.

This will be highlighted by the well-known Masskara Festival dancers and the vigorous sounds from the La Carlota City drum beaters.

A total of 85 national athletes and coaches have arrived in Bacolod City as of Saturday, including the contingents for the canoe kayak, dragon boat and gymnastics.

"This is the figure so far we got from the PNG Secretariat in Manila and we will still determine the exact composition of these teams," PNG media officer Mylene Concepcion said.

Meanwhile, PNG local Secretariat head Dr. Jonathan Lobaton said that a team from Malaysia also arrived Friday night and will serve as a guest team to compete in the athletics event.

Meanwhile, the Younghusband brothers conducted free football clinic for the young aspiring footballers from Bacolod and the province of Negros occidental at the West Negros University Saturday.