Deped urges public to cheer for Davao athletes
By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY
THE Davao Eagles may be enjoying the benefit of playing at home, but they need to be at their best form if they are to succeed in landing within the top five in the overall standings in this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
This was how Department of Education (Deped) 11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo summed up the Eagles in their quest for a respectable finish in the country’s biggest sporting spectacle for elementary and secondary athletes.
“Our athletes must compete at a high level. They really have to push hard during the competition as the other delegations have also prepared well for the Palaro,” Atillo said.
To give the athletes moral support, Deped is also calling on the people of Davao to go out, watch the games and cheer for the home team when actual competition starts.
“I also appeal to the public, if you have spare time please go out and cheer for our Eagles. They need your support and I definitely believe they will be inspired by your presence,” Atillo said.
Deped and the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Board had moved the athletes to Tagum Comprehensive National High School in Tagum City as early as April 6 for their training regimen.
Atillo said they also imposed curfew within the camp and even sent in nutritionists and dieticians to check on the athletes’ food intake leading to the competition.
The Eagles landed eight in last year’s Palaro in Laguna, an improvement of their 11th-place finish the previous year.
This year, Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo R. del Rosario and Deped officials are targeting at least a fifth place finish in the overall standing at the conclusion of the Palaro on May 9.
Davao is sending a 572-member strong delegation for this year’s Palaro, including 476 athletes who will be competing in 23 events.
