DepEd welcomes 2015 Palarong Pambansa with more than 12,000 athletes

The Department of Education (DepEd) together with the provincial host Davao del Norte (DavNor) officially welcomed yesterday more than 12,000 delegates including student athletes, coaches and officials representing different regions all over the country to the opening of the country’s most-awaited sporting event - Palarong Pambansa 2015.

The surrounding setting of festivity was buzzing at the Davao del Norte Sports & Tourism Complex (DNSTC) as Palaro’s opening ceremonies started with the parade of friendship and camaraderie, followed by an exhibition of the Philippine Army paratroopers and the singing of the national anthem by The Voice Philippines Season 1 finalist, Thor Dulay.

Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas graced the national event in behalf of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. 

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro, Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas,  and DavNor Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario 

"Ang tagumpay at ang kadakilaan ng isang atleta ay wala doon sa event mismo pero nasa araw araw na psgsasakripisyo, pagpupursige, para maabot nila ang excellence na nasa angking talento nila," Roxas said. 

In an interview, Roxas shared that sucess is not measured by merely winning the games.

Traditions, such as the turn-over and the hoisting of the Palarong Pambansa banner were observed elatedly.

DavNor Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario 

“The dream culminates today as we open the Palarong Pambansa 2015. It is therefore an honor for us to prepare the stakes for our young athletes to make the dreams come true. In all our preparations, we have put our young athletes the centre of the Palarong Pambansa 2015. They are the reason for the existence of the National Games, thus we have spared no effort in expense to ensure their safety and convenience, so they will have the best experience that they can get here in DavNor,”  DavNor Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario said during his welcoming speech.

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro 

The program was cut short when DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro yelled “Class Dismissed!” as rain started to pour on the sports complex.

Nevertheless, Palaro was declared opened and the youth of DavNor continued to showcase their many talents as the sky cleared up. 

The different sports competitions will be held at several locations across the city between May 3 to 9. Events include Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Chess, Football, Gymnastics, Sepak Takraw, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball, Billiards, Futsal, Wushu, Wrestling, Special Events and Beach Volleyball.

Some photos from Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association