By PR | 11:36 PM May 12, 2024
Bohol finished a strong third overall at the conclusion of the 2024 Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) held in Cebu City last May 4-10.
The Boholano delegation amassed a total of 149 medals – 39 gold, 51 silver, and 59 bronze – from regular sports, demo sports, and special games in the week-long athletic competitions.
It was a strong rebound after Bohol ranked 6th in the 2023 edition as the province finished third only behind Cebu City and Dumaguete this year, in part due to the strong backing of the provincial government led by Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado.
Aumentado allotted P15 million from the Special Education Fund under the Education Development Center (EDCenter) for expenses in training, transportation, food, uniforms, sports equipment, sports managers’ skill upgrades, and technical officials’ accreditation.
This initiative is a testament to the Capitol’s commitment to supporting sports development programs as aligned with the strategic change agenda.
On his Facebook page, Aumentado thanked the student-athletes, trainers, and coaches for their perseverance and commitment amidst the challenges before the sports event.
“Ang pagkab-ot sa mga medalya sa atong mga atleta bunga kini sa atong hugot nga suporta ug pakig alayon sa DepEd Bohol diin nahatagan gayud ug igo nga suporta ang mga atleta alang sa ilang pagkaon, pag byahe, uniforms ug uban pa nga maka pa-empower gyud nila sa ilang pakigsangka didto sa CVIRAA,” Aumentado wrote in a post.
The governor, however, acknowledged that this is only the beginning and rallied for continuing support for the athletes in particular and the sports program in general.
“Padayon natong suportahan ang atong mga atleta kay kini dakung tabang sa atong mga kabatan-onan nga malayo sila sa mga bisyo ug dautan nga mga binuhatan,” he added.
Cebu City emerged as overall champion with 118 golds, 75 silvers, and 80 bronzes; while Dumaguete City followed with 41 golds, 46 silvers, and 33 bronzes.
Meanwhile, Tagbilaran City placed seventh with 26 gold, 32 silver, and 19 bronze medals.
In his Facebook account, Jaypee Ian Morgia, EDCenter officer-in-charge also thanked the Department of Education (DepEd) Bohol Division, EDCenter staff, members of the Provincial School Board Technical Working Team and Metodio Maraguinot Jr., EDC head.
“Led by the steadfast guidance of DepEd Bohol Division, spearheaded by Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Casiana Caberte, Assistant SDSs Fay Luarez, and Eduardo Ompad, as well as the unwavering support from Division Sports Officer John Toreros, the Bohol team has showcased unparalleled dedication and skill throughout the competition,” Morgia wrote on his Facebook post.
The bulk of the medals came from athletics with 50, swimming, 17; wrestling, 13; and dancesport, 10.
This year’s CVIRAA meet attracted the participation of 20 province and city school divisions from Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor. It is the official qualifier for the Palarong Pambansa competition.
The Boholano medalists will now have the chance to compete in the ‘Palaro’ on July 6–16 under the theme “Atletang May Puso: Atletang Matatag” which will again be hosted by Cebu City.
In behalf of the provincial government, Aumentado congratulated all CVIRAA student-athletes, coaches, and chaperones for a job well done. (PiMO/JSS)
