Muling pinahalagahan sa ikatlong sunod na taon ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang mahigit 12,000 batang mag-aaral na atleta sa pagbubukas ng 62nd Palarong Pambansa 2019, nagbigay inspirasyon upang maging modelo at ipapakilala ng lahing Pilipino sa mundo.
Hindi ininda ni PRD ang pagod mula sa biyahe sa pulong sa China at agad dumiretso sa Davao City-University of the Philippines Mindanao Sports Complex upang samahan ang anak na si Mayora Sara Duterte-Carpio, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramriez at commissioner Ramon Fernandez.
“My warmest greetings to all the athlete-contingents participating in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa,” sabi nito. “This national sporting event has truly become a platform for cultivating camaraderie, discipline and excellence, especially among the Filipino youth. Its competitive events have also strengthened their character and determination to succeed in their chosen sports as well as in their academic endeavors.”
“I acknowledge the unwavering commitment of the Department of Education in supporting this annual athletic activity, which will have two new side events this year: Larong Pinoy, which aims to revive traditional Filipino games, such as kadang-kadang, patintero, hilahang lubid and karera ng sako; and Sports Heroes Day, where our young athletes will have the opportunity to meet their sports idols and icons,” litanya ng Punong Ehekutibo.
“As you compete in the different events, which Davao City will host for the first time, I trust that you will uphold the noble objectives of this program, including the promotion of greater peace and understanding among our people through sports. May you have a successful participation in the National Games,” panapos niya.
Samantala, may 22 gold medalya ang paglalabanan sa unang araw ng kompetisyon ng swimming sa bagong-bagong pool bukas, Abril 30, habang dalawang sports — archery at boxing — ang walang nakatakdang iskedyul ng mga laro.
Nakataya ang kabuuang 1,294 medal sa regular sports habang may 142 sa demo sports at 258 sa special games.(Lito Oredo)