ATHLETIC MEET. The official logo of the Region 1 Athletic Association Meet, which will be held from May 14 to 19 in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. It will be attended by over 7,000 athletes and coaches from the four provinces of the Ilocos Region. (Photo courtesy of R1AA Facebook page)
SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan – The Region 1 (Ilocos) Athletic Meet Association (R1AA) regional sports competition will be held in this city from May 14 to 19 after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
San Carlos City Mayor Julier Resuello, in an interview on Monday, said the local government unit (LGU) is in full support of the R1AA and is ready to welcome the athletes and coaches from the different provinces in the region.
“This is a great opportunity for the young ones especially since they have not been able to compete during the height of the pandemic,” he said.
Resuello said they have allocated around PHP30 million from the Special Education Fund and the city’s budget for the hosting of the regional sports competition.
“We have prepared together with the San Carlos City Schools Division the billeting areas, venues, and security plans for the one-week event,” he added.
Resuello said the safety and comfort of the visitors will be their top priority.
“We had meetings with the Philippine National Police and other force multipliers for the security plan to assure that visitors are secured so they need not worry about their safety. They will be taken care of,” he said.
He added that this is also a good opportunity for them to promote their local tourist spots including the Minor Basilica of Saint Dominic De Guzman Parish Church, resorts, and local restaurants and businesses.
San Carlos School Division Superintendent officer-in-charge Shiela Marie Primicias, in a recent press conference, said more than 7,000 athletes, coaches, and officials are expected to join the R1AA.
“R1AA is something to look forward to. It is "magical" as it will be adopting a children-focused theme that combines fun, excitement, and lots of surprises,” she said.
Among the sports athletes will be competing in are archery, arnis, badminton, baseball, billiards, boxing, chess, dance sports, football, gymnastics, and swimming.
Winners from the R1AA will compete in the Palarong Pambansa.
Aside from San Carlos City, other events will be held in Lingayen town and Dagupan City. (PNA)
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