Cebu City, May 4, 2024 – The Central Visayas Regional Athletics Association (CVIRAA) 2024 officially kicked off with a Sinulog concept production, headed by Mayor Michael Lopez Rama and Dr. Nimfa D. Bongo, Schools Division Superintendent of the Schools Division of Cebu City at the Festival Grounds of the South Road Properties (SRP).
In attendance during the opening ceremony were the estimated 11,000 student-athletes, coaches, and trainers from the 20 participating Schools Division Offices all over the region, including education and government leaders within and outside the province of Cebu supporting their delegates to return home victorious bringing not just medals but pride and fulfillment in their quest in the largest sporting event in the region.
A grand parade from the Citi De Mare (CDM) going to the festival grounds of SRP signals the heightening of spirit and determination of all student athletes in a battle that will let them experience new opportunities and harness their potentials in sports.
The roads of CDM was temporarily painted with an array of colors as each delegation wore their respective uniforms from caps down to shoes, bearing the colors of their respective cities and provinces. Each march moving towards the venue marks a sense of pride and eagerness to bring honor and fame to the cities and divisions they represent.
DepEd Undersecretary for Governance and Field Operations, Atty. Revsee A. Escobedo, is this year’s Keynote Speaker in the CVIRAA 2024 Opening Ceremony. He commenced his message expressing his appreciation and gratitude to Cebu City for hosting the regional meet, describing the city as a true testament of a rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation.
Escobedo highlighted the achievements of two Filipino international athletes, Carlos Yulo, gymnast, and EJ Obiena, pole vaulter, who both brought honor and pride to the country and how they once started as ordinary athletes too. “As athletes, you understand that success is not a destination but a journey… Success is not measured by the victories on the scoreboard, but it is measured by the character you exhibit both on and off the field,” he reminded the delegates.
Mayor Rama in his message, conveyed how grateful he is to all the private and public sectors who worked with him and backed him up in the preparation for the CVIRAA 2024 hosting, emphasizing that he merely steered and motivated the operations.
“It is not about winning, it is not about losing. It is all about learning, and learning has to come from the heart because that is where God is… We are now victors and winners because we have converged in the South Road Property”, Rama closed his speech, proclaiming everyone as already winners having had the opportunity to participate in the CVIRAA Meet 2024.
The ceremonial lighting of the torch signifies the official start of the competition, Palarong Pambansa gold medalist John Lexter Conde, team captain of the Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC), first carried the lit torch, who was then joined by Hon. Dondon Hontiveros, Sangguniang Bayan Chair on Sports, and Cebu City Mayor, Hon. Mike Rama, together lit the symbolic urn.
A significant addition to the festive mood of the program were the performances of Cebu City’s victorious Sinulog Dance competition contingents: Tribu Lumad Basakanon of Brgy. Basak San Nicolas, and Banuan Cultural Group of Brgy. Guadalupe.
Dr. Salustiano T. Jimenez, DepEd Central Visayas Regional Director, declared the CVIRAA Meet 2024 officially open along with the sounds and colorful display of fireworks adding festivity in the atmosphere leaving the crowd thrilled and in awe.
The five-day sports meet is to be conducted by respective events in different venues around Cebu City. The closing and awarding program is set to be on Thursday, May 9, 2024.
Being the host of this year’s CVIRAA, Cebu City is ready and takes the challenge of hosting the Palarong Pambansa 2024 after 30 years comes July this year.
