Local executives led by host Gov. Khalid Quibranza-Dimaporo are expected to attend in full force as the weeklong sport extravaganza goes full blast in a province where tourism is a growing industry aside from agriculture and fishery.
POF, an initiative of the POC, will lay down the foundation of the country’s sports system through the integration, both horizontally and vertically, of all the sports development efforts by different sectors.
The event aims to promote and propagate the values of the Olympic Movement –friendship, solidarity and fair play — and set up a talent identification program, long-term athlete’s development program and other programs for the benefit of young potential athletes in preparation for future Olympic Games.
“The POF aims to identify and help train young talents to qualify in the 2012 London Olympics,” the POF website quoted Aventajado as having said.
Athletes from Misamis Oriental, Koronadal City, Sultan Kudarat, Davao Del Norte, Davao City, Bukidnon, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Iligan City, Sarangani, Agusan DelNorte, Agusan Del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Davao Del Sur, Davao Oriental, Jolo, and from host Lanao Del Norte will see action in 17 disciplines, including 11 Olympic sports.
Among the events are athletics, aquatics, karatedo, taekwondo, gymnastics, table tennis, judo, archery, baseball, chess, sepak takraw, basketball, arnis, football, muay thai, powerlifting and wrestling.
The medal winners of the POF Qualifying Games and all participating NSA national team members will compete in the POF National Championships.
The dates and venues of the POF Qualifying Games and of the POF National Championships shall be determined by the POFOC, according to the POF website.
Misamis Oriental hosted the games last year where Zamboanga City topped the medal board with 98 gold,50 silver and 34 bronze medals.
Gen. Santos City settled for second place with a 89-36-30 gold-silver-bronze performance while host Cagayan De Oro City placed third with 62-61-68 showing.
Jolo, capital of Jolo province, came in last with a lone bronze medal in Karatedo.
Davao Oriental placed 20th by winning a silver medal courtesy of Joy Monteverde in arnis women extra light weight senior division. (Rico Biliran/MindaNews)
