By PR| 07:03 PM October 26, 2024
History unfolds as two Boholano athletes are set to showcase their skill and pride on the global stage as they represent the Philippines in the upcoming South East Asia (SEA) Championships.
Young athletes, Ma. Emely Balunan and Jhul Ian Cañalita will represent the country at the 16th SEA U18 Athletics Championships 2024 in Likas Stadium, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, from November 28 to 30.
The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) formally announced their selection for the prestigious international competition through a letter dated October 9.
The letter, which requests the two athletes’ participation, was addressed to Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, which he approved and supported.
The governor also congratulated the young Boholanos on their quest to the international games that will highlight the athletes’ sports skills among Asia’s best.
Moreover, Patafa also assured the provincial government of Bohol that all necessary travel expenses, including airfare, accommodations, and allowances, will be covered to support the athletes’ journey.
National Coach Danilo Fresnido will accompany the athletes, with a scheduled departure on November 26 and a return on December 1.
In the letter, Patafa also extended gratitude to the province for its support and conveyed its hopes for the successful representation of the Philippines by Balunan and Cañalita.
Additionally, the competition is open to athletes born in 2007 and 2008 and is organized by the Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia, also known as the Malaysia Athletics Federation.
Balunan and Cañalita are both from Garcia Hernandez town, with recent success in the Patafa National Games held at PhilSports in Pasig City from May 8 to 12.
After the national games, Cañalita earned a gold medal in the 3,000-meter run for U18 men and another silver in the 1,500-meter run for U18 men, while Balunan got a silver in the 400-meter low hurdles U18 women and a bronze in the 800-meter run U18 women.
The success of Balunan and Cañalita was supported by the provincial government, which actively provides opportunities for young athletes to receive training and represent Bohol in prestigious sports events, aligning with his Strategic Change Agenda focused on human capital development.
PYDO’s Bohol Athletics Team is coached by Jojo Orcullo and Jonas Acierda.
With the achievements of Balunan and Cañalita, Bohol stands out not only as the Philippines’ first and only Unesco Global Geopark and Regenerative Island but also as a formidable sports powerhouse. (PIMO/JSS)
