Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Provincial host Albay put together a festive opening ceremony to formally start the 59th Palarong Pambansa at Albay Sports and Tourism Complex inside the Bicol University Main Campus on Sunday (April 10).
During the opening of the annual sports event, last year’s host Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario turned over the torch to Albay Gov. Joey Salceda followed by the relay of the torch to different municipalities of the province until it reached the main venue of the Palarong Pambansa.
Estimated 18,000 student athletes, coaches and guests from 18 regions, including the recently-established Negros Island region, lit up the ceremony with their colorful costumes, banners and flag gimmicks.
PWD inclusiveness
Salceda earlier said that this year’s Palarong Pambansa is different among the previous editions. This year’s opening ceremony torch-bearers are Francis Evaristo, a handicapped person, and PBA star Terrence Romeo.
According to reports, the 59th Palarong Pambansa 2016 will have special games for children with special needs. These games include athletics, goal ball, swimming and bocce—a ball sport closely related to bowling.
The Albay governor said this symbolizes the province’s goal to tap each and every member of the community especially the persons with disabilities.
During the week-long youth games, elementary student-athletes will compete in 15 games while the secondary level will compete in 17 games and four demonstration sports: billiards, futsal, wrestling and wushu.
Palarong Pambansa 2016 will run from April 10 to 16.
