Monday, August 13, 2007

Mindanao Olympic qualifying games kicks off today

MISAMIS ORIENTAL - (By Maricel Casiño / Aug 13) - All roads lead to Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center today for the opening ceremony of the 2nd Philippine Olympic Festival Mindanao Qualifying Games.

Regarded as one of the must-see parts of the Olympics, the opening ceremony will be highlighted by a parade to be participated in by the different delegations from 17 provinces and cities.


Delegates will assemble at the Provincial Capitol grounds at 2:00 in the afternoon. The parade will move from the Capitol towards Claro M. Recto St, turning left to Capistrano St. all the way to R.N. Abejuela St.

It will then turn left to A. Velez St. and ends at the Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center where the opening ceremony will be held.

The respective government officials of each delegation and its muses and the officials of the Philippine Olympics Committee will lead the hoisting of the flags to mark the opening of the ceremony.

The Misamis Oriental Provincial Choral Group will lead the invocation and the singing of the Misamis Oriental march. A soprano named Vita Joy Penas will lead the singing of the Philippine national anthem acapella.

A choreographed torch entrance will ensue to be followed by the lighting of the cauldron of fire by Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno.

Gov. Moreno and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula will deliver their welcome address followed by the speeches of POC chairman Robert Aventajado and POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

The congressmen of the two districts of Misamis Oriental Rep. Yevgeny Vincent “Bambi” Emano and Rep. Danilo P. Lagbas are also invited to deliver a solidarity message.

Muay trainer Kru Enrico C. Razalo will lead the oath of amateurism while powerlifting trainer Raul Gevero will conduct the oath of officiating officials.

Selected pupils of the Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School will entertain the crowd with a lively cheer dance followed by a presentation of its drum and bugle corps.

Another presentation of a drum and bugle corps will also be conducted by Pilgrim Christian College while a group of karatedo and arnis enthusiasts will also present a sport demonstration.

As host of this weeklong event, Gov. Moreno will formally declare the opening of the 2007 Mindanao Qualifying Games. A fireworks display will cap the opening ceremony sponsored by Dragon Fireworks.

At least 2,000 athletes are expected to compete in 17 sports events namely athletics, aquatics, karatedo, taekwondo, gymnastics, table tennis, judo, archery, baseball, chess, sepak takraw, basketball, arnis, football, muay, powerlifting and wrestling.

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