Feature:

WVRAA 2011: Enshrining School Sports in Western Visayas

By Pepin 

Ma'am Roquita Militante

It was a gloomy Wednesday morning, but the weather did not spoil the games of the 2011 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet (WVRAA) held at Iloilo Sports Complex. The tension in the competitions was just as intense as in the crowd. Deafening sounds of cheers and yells that occupied the entire venue spiced up the event and uplifted the game spirit.

A grueling match of football between Negros Occidental and Capiz took place in the big field, while teams from Iloilo and Antique battled out for a spot in women’s volleyball on the court. Other athletes from the provinces of Guimaras and Aklan prepared themselves for the next match, while the roaring crowd of parents and Ilonggo sports enthusiasts sustained their energetic cheers. 

As for Ma'am Roquita Militante, assistant coach of the Antique Athletics Team, "Everyone's excited for this year's game, and each province is hungry for a gold." She is a  former athlete herself and a two-time gold medalist of the 100-Meter Relay in 1980 and 1981, respectively.

In the afternoon, the people witnessed the fastest and most physically powerful athletes of Western Visayas in the Athletics event. Benjie Quilatis of Negros conquered the Final Pole Vault (Secondary Boys) Event at a height of 3.2 meters, while Dinnes Galos of Iloilo took home the gold for 3000-Metre Steeple Chase (Secondary Boys) at a time of 10 minutes and 21 seconds. Another Negrense, by the name of Alexis Soqueno, dominated the High Jump Competition (Elementary Boys). He jumped at a height of 1.53 meters to clutch another gold for his province.

 

Diana Jane Balino

Lawn Tennis

Iloilo Team

Jessa Christina

Athletics

Negros Team

The female athletes were also powerful and well-prepared in their fight. Some of them who emerged as champions were the following: Jasmine Tayco (Aklan) for the 4x100 Meter Relay – Elementary Level; Shaina Hernandez (Negros) for the 200-Meter Relay – Secondary Level; Shaira Caballero (Iloilo) for the 200-Meter Relay – Elementary Level; and Neslie Torres (Negros) for High Jump – Secondary Level.

 

Volleyball Men

Antique Team

Every sport event turned out to be a tough battle as each of the six provinces of Western Visayas aimed to bring home the over-all championship trophy. However, there were some athletes who failed after facing a very demanding game. But despite their defeat, they were still proud to have represented their respective province. For them, the greatest gold was to become an advocate of sportsmanship and camaraderie, as well as of this year’s theme, “Enshrining School Sports in Western Visayas.”

The closing ceremonies of the 2011 WVRAA Meet will be on March 24, 2011.