BONTOC, Mountain Province – This year’s Provincial Athletic Meet is viewed to be more than just playing for the sake of winning after three years of being dormant due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As stated in its theme, “Rising Above Adversity: Overcoming Challenges Through Sports,” the 2023 Provincial Athletic Meet focuses on the important values which the people of Mountain Province have gained from playing games/sports and also from the challenges they have encountered and overcame in their education, family, social relations and in their own self, according to congressional district Representative Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr.
Moreover, Rep. Dalog, as well as Provincial Administrator Franklin C. Odsey, who was representing Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., were one in reminding the athletes that the Provincial Athletic Meet is more than winning or playing sports. According to both, being able to see the valuable lessons and other takeaways/benefits which sport can give to a player is what makes the activity more meaningful.
Rep. Dalog underscored in his message that playing sport/s helps build a person’s character, teaches the player how to play in the spirit of sportsmanship, and lastly, makes the player see the value of excellence.
“My dear young athletes, as you begin this year’s provincewide competition, always remember to have fun, meet new friends and that you are playing because you love game,” the congressman further said.
In addition to the sharing of Dalog, Provincial Administrator Odsey added that playing sports is all about exercising teamwork and team spirit with other players, realizing that the body is like a machine that needs constant maintenance, seeing it as a way of life, inspiring and spreading joy and hope, and most importantly, strengthens the body, trains the mind and uplifts the spirit.
“At 77, I am proud and grateful to be healthier than many of my peers and perhaps even healthier than many who are younger than me. It is largely due to my love of sports,” Odsey also said.
On behalf of the Department of Education of the Mountain Province Schools Division, Superintendent Benilda M. Daytaca, who was recently appointed in the province, expressed her profound gratitude and appreciation to the provincial government, the Office of the Congressman and the ten municipal governments for supporting the activity. She too believes that there is more to gain in this year’s Provincial Athletic Meet aside from winning.
“You are here to interact with other learners for you to develop further your athletic abilities to grow and develop as a morally and spiritually upright person.
Play your games well and be a shining example of an athlete who played his best. Sports meet is an avenue that emphasizes values attached to sportsmanship.” Daycata said.
In view of the recent event, Mayor Jerome B. Tudlong, Jr. mentioned in his welcome message that the conduct of the athletic meet has somehow brightened and brought life to the element of sadness which surrounds Bontoc because of the recent structural fire incident which transpired last April 11, 2023.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli, the other mayors and their representatives from the different municipalities, faculty, staff and coaches from the different schools were also in attendance during the opening program of the 2023 Provincial Athletic Meet.
