By Leilanie Adriano
LAOAG CITY – Laoag City retained its overall championship in the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) after bagging 82 gold, 85 silver and 56 bronze medals in the multi-event competition that ended in Bacnotan, La Union on Saturday.
The city’s 507 athletes dominated anew with the most medal haul in gymnastics, athletics, arnis and swimming, topping the competition participated in by some 10,000 delegates from Ilocos Regions provinces Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.
The Laoag athletes likewise shone in taekwondo, wrestling and tennis, earning them spots for Region 1 in the Palarong Pambansa, which they will host May 24 to June 2
“I’m quite surprised with what Team Laoag has done. It’s really amazing,” Mayor Michael Keon said in a media interview on Saturday.
He said Laoag, a small component city, was able to beat all the provincial and congressional teams.
Last year, Laoag bagged 79 gold, 53 silver and 68 bronze medals.
Keon led the city delegation in receiving the championship trophy during the awarding ceremony at Bacnotan Farmers Park and Civic Center.
The final standing was determined as of noontime with the unofficial medal tally showing Pangasinan 1 finishing second (59-59-58), Pangasinan 2 third (50-47-57), Ilocos Norte fourth (42-50-54) and Ilocos Sur fifth (39-22-41).
Finishing 6th to 14th were Urdaneta City, Dagupan City, La Union, San Carlos City, Vigan City, Alaminos City, San Fernando City, Candon City and Batac City.
Laoag City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Joanne Corpuz congratulated the athletes for their “dedication and perseverance” to defend their title.
She said the landslide victory reflected the city’s comprehensive sports development programs and dedication of the athletes. (PNA)
