Apayao readies to host regional sports meet

By Redjie Cawis

Saturday 14th of July 2012

LUNA, Apayao, July 14 (PIA) -- The province of Apayao is gearing up for the upcoming annual regional sports competition with the construction of the multi-million sports complex in full swing.

Apayao Gov. Elias Bulut Jr said close to P25 million has been earmarked by the province for the construction of a multi-venue sports complex to be used for the the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) that is expected to draw close to 3,000 student athletes and coaches from all over the region.

Congresswoman Eleanor Begtang also gave funding of P5 million while the Department of Education has allotted P500,000.

Bulut said the complex which is located in Payanan, San Gregorio in the town of Luna will be the main venue for the sports competition. The sports complex will have an athletic oval, gymnasium, cottages, a multipurpose club house and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The hosting of the annual CARAA was made possible after the Apayao Sports council was composed last year. It is chaired by Gov. Bulut with Vice Gov. Hector Reuel Pascua as vice chair and the seven mayors of the seven municipalities including the Youth Council provincial federation president and other government and non government organizations are members of the board.

The Apayao Sports Council aims to integrate all programs, projects and activates of national, regional and provincial offices toward the development of sports particularly among the youth.

Part of the functions of the provincial sports council is to formulate policies, plans and programs geared towards the development and regulation of sports activities in the province and will also help design, plan, and assist in the construction, improvement, and maintenance of sports facilities and equipments throughout the province. (RC- PIA CAR)