The competition in all athletic fronts can get too heated. So will the weather.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte officially opened the 2024 Davao Regional Athletics Association (DAVRAA) Meet on Monday at the Davao City – UP Mindanao Sports Complex with a reminder to officials to be wary of the scorching heat to protect athletes.
Davao City is experiencing high heat index over the past few days.
“Mag remind lang ko sa atong mga coaches, officials, na kung init kaayo ang panahon, taas kaayo ang adlaw, puwede ninyong i-undang ang dula, puwede ninyong mupili lang na magdula lang sa buntag sayo o sa hapon na padulong sa gabii, ayaw ninyo pugsa ug padula ang mga athletes bisan kamo maglisod mo ug dula tungod sa kainit,” Duterte said.
She also reminded the athletes not to be hesitant to ask for a time out, or not be ashamed to ask for a substitution if they can not take the heat anymore or because they don’t feel well.
“Tungod kay ang DAVRAA naa na kada tuig, ang atoang mga meets, sports meets naa na kada tuig so puwede pa ta mudula sunod tuig. Mao na ang akoang reminders sa mga coaches, officials, athletes karon nga nagpahigayon ta sa atoang DAVRAA nga mao pud pagsulod sa atoang summer na panahon dinhi sa nasud,” the vice president said.
Carrying the theme “1 Team 1 Dream, Shaping Filipinos Sports Champion,” this year’s DAVRAA is participated by 7,835 athletes from Davao City, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Digos City, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), Mati City, Panabo City, and Tagum City.
“What an inspiring theme we have embraced for this event, it captures the essence of what it means to be an athlete. Teamwork, dedication, and the relentless pursuit for excellence,” Duterte said.
DAVRAA 2024 will have 24 playing venues and 29 competitive events except Dancesports and Pencak Silat.
“Ayaw mo ug kalimot na kamo Dabawenyo and you will fly, you will soar, you will fight and you will win, mga Dabawenyos,” Duterte said.
The vice president also announced that she is treating the participating athletes with 14 ‘lechon baka’.
