Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson challenged the participating athletes in the 2024 Negros Occidental provincial meet that kicked off at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City Monday afternoon, April 1, to let their passion, dedication, and determination shine as they compete for a chance to represent the province in the Western Visayas regional meet.
About 6,500 athletes, coaches and chaperons from 13 delegations are joining the provincial meet, Romeo Sison, Department of Education (DepEd) Negros Occidental Division Sports Officer, said Monday.
The provincial meet kicked off amid extreme heat forecasted at 41 degrees Celsius on Monday and 42 degrees Celsius on Tuesday – both classified under extreme caution levels.
The DepEd is taking precautions to protect the athletes with no outdoor games scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sison said.
The provincial meet opening program was held Monday afternoon and the games will begin on Tuesday, he said.
The athletes will be competing in 15 sporting events in the elementary level and 22 in the secondary levels. There will also be para games for athletes with disabilities, Sison added.
Lacson, in his speech at the opening program, said as governor, “I strongly believe that our vision for our youth should always transcend our current circumstances”.
“This year’s theme, ‘2024 Provincial Meet: Nurturing Champions for the World’, is particularly relevant as we strive to cultivate an environment where our young athletes can surpass their limitations and aspire to compete on larger stages in the future,” he said.
Lacson told the athletes the only thing that separates them from their dreams is self-doubt.
“As I often say to all of you at every athletic meet, as you take part in your respective sports, always remember that you are already winners. The fact that you have reached the Provincial Meet only shows the many competitions you have hurdled and won. Soon, you will be bringing glory not only to your school and division but also to Negros Occidental and the Philippines,” Lacson said, stressing that he is their avid believer and supporter.*