GENERAL SANTOS CITY–Soccsksargen’s top athletes have stepped up their preparations for the 2018 Palarong Pambansa, slated next month in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Dr. Magdaleno Duhilag Jr., the Department of Education-Region 12 sports supervisor, said Wednesday their athletes have embarked on a rigid training program that will run until the delegation leaves for the April 15 to 21 national games.
He said the training is being hosted by South Cotabato province, which topped the Soccksargen Regional Athletic Association (SRAA) meet last month, at the provincial sports complex in Koronadal City.
The training program involves all 621 members of the region’s Palaro delegation composed of athletes, coaches, trainers and chaperons, he said.
Duhilag said the participating athletes were chosen from among the medalists and top qualifiers during the SRAA meet.
“We’ve leveled up our preparations for the upcoming Palaro as we anticipate the competition to even be tougher than the previous year,” he told reporters.
Duhilag said they are targeting to surpass SRAA’s fifth place finish in the 2017 Palaro held in Antique.
Also known as the Soccsksargen Warriors, SRAA won a total of 26 golds, 22 silvers and 35 bronze medals.
Soccsksargen comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
The official said they are projecting to win medals in various individual events such as athletics, gymnastics, taekwondo, boxing, arnis and swimming, as well as several team events.
“Our secondary and elementary baseball boys could reach the finals again this year,” Duhilag said.
He added that the region’s boxing team could bounce back and dominate the boxing events anew with its mix of veteran and emerging fighters. (Alejandro Saludo/PNA)
