DAVAO CITY -- The first batch of the expected 7,000 athletes and coaches arrived Wednesday in Davao from Davao del Norte for the kick-off of the advance games prior to the formal opening of the Davao Regional Athletics Association meet on February 18-23.
Advance games will start on February 16 at the Calinan National High School for the baseball game and the secondary softball at the UM Matina.
On February 17, athletes for Sepak Takraw will play at UM Bolton while Futsal will be played at the Mintal Gym here.
Jenielito Atillo, spokesperson for the Department of Education (DepEd) 11, said the agency with the assistance of the city government is nearing the 100 percent completion of the preparation for the billeting quarters of the athletes, the security arrangement, and the opening program of the regional meet on February 18.
He also cited the support of the private sector for lending sports facilities and the security sector for the arrangements on the safety and security of the delegates. Athletes and coaches from five provinces and six cities will start coming in,” Atillo said.
Atillo said advance games will be played on February 16 because of the long schedules.
This will also assure that all of the 21 games, five special games, and demo sports like aero and dance sports are over by the closing day on February 23.
Of the 21 games, the swimming competition will be held at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex because it is the only facility that has the standard Olympic-size swimming pool. There are 370 swimmers vying for the gold.
“Gusto lang nato masiguro nga mahuman ang dula before the closing day on the 23rd (We just want to be sure that games are finished before the closing day on the 23rd),” Atillo told reporters during Wednesday’s AFP-PNP press corps at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.
This year’s theme -- “Shaping the Future through Sports” -- reflects the battle cry of President Rodrigo Duterte on saving the young generation from the danger of illegal drugs, Atillo said.
Atillo underscored on the theme’s deep message especially for DepEd with its effort to save the young generation from drug abuse.
Atillo said DepEd with the assistance of the city government, the private sector and the security sector are working to bring the best for DAVRAA especially that this is the first time Davao City is hosting the regional meet after more than 20 years. They also assured to make the best opening program sans fireworks.
Among those expected are Senator Manny Pacquiao, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, the local chief executives of the provinces, cities and towns in Davao, the heads of the 11 DepEd divisions.
Earlier, City Sports Division head Michael Denton Aportadera said the city is completing the installation of shower rooms in the billeting quarters so that the athletes will have a decent bathing area. Beddings are already available for the comfortable rest of the athletes.
"The foams for athletes already arrived in the city because we don't want them to sleep on cartons," he said, recalling issues in past sporting events when some of the athletes were reported sleeping on cartons.
Aportadera said the city is also fixing the access roads going to the playing venues and billeting areas as well as water and electrical supply in the schools used as billeting quarters.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) also assured the people and the visitors of readiness in securing the delegates and the visitors.
According to Police Senior Inspector Maria Teresa Plaza Gaspan, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office said there will be 8,000 police, army forces, force multipliers and other support groups to be deployed to secure the city and venues of the games.
Gaspan said a 24/7 security will be available to secure the billeting quarters from thieves and other elements. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)
