The Department of Education (DepEd-6) said it is all systems go for the annual regional sports meet to be hosted by Passi City, Iloilo, with close to 4,000 athletes expected to compete in various sports disciplines on March 17-23.
DepEd-6 Information Officer Hernani Escullar Jr. said that the official logo, mascot, and jingle for the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) were launched during their third coordination meeting in Passi City on Thursday, Feb. 26.
“Based on our division sports officer, we have around 6,965 delegations; 3,933 athletes; 1,087 technical working group members; and 1,457 coaches, chaperones, and trainers. At the regional level, we have 723 officiating officials and 102 non-officiating officials,” he said.
Escullar said eight divisions will compete this year – Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Roxas City, Iloilo City, Iloilo province, Capiz, and host Passi City.
There will be 16 events for the elementary level, 25 for secondary, and four para-games.
It will be the first time that Negros Occidental will no longer join the sports competition since the creation of the Negros Island Region.
“Last year was a special game because the Palarong Pambansa secretariat allowed (the) Negros Occidental delegation to compete in Western Visayas, and Negros Oriental and Siquijor in Region 7 (Central Visayas),” he said.
Escullar added that the swimming and football events will be held outside Passi City due to a lack of facilities.
The swimming events will be held at the Iloilo Sports Complex in Iloilo City, and football, at the football field of Barotac Nuevo town.
Athletic delegations are expected to start arriving from March 11 to 13, and March 14 for the officiating officials.
A religious activity is set on March 15, a refresher course and solidarity meeting on March 16, and the opening program on March 17.
The competitions will be from March 18 up to noon of March 22.
Meanwhile, DepEd-6 said the logo of the sports event features a torch formed by the letters V and W to represent Western Visayas and true sportsmanship.
“It is intertwined with a ‘lambong’ or veil inspired by the Pintados de Pasi Festival logo and tribal patterns that shape the letter P for Passi and Pintados, honoring the rich cultural heritage of Passinhons. The blazing fire signifies energy, determination, and unity among athletes,” it said in a statement.
The vibrant colors reflect the eight Schools Division Offices of Western Visayas – maroon for Aklan, red for Antique, gold for Capiz, blue for Guimaras, navy blue for Iloilo, white for Iloilo City, royal blue for Passi City, and canary yellow for Roxas City.
The emblem was designed by Hans Yuri Centino.
This year’s sports competition carries the theme “Stronger Champions, Greater Heights.”PNA
