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Bacolod City, PhilippinesTuesday, February 28, 2012
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Pacquiao, Nietes to grace
WVRAA meet 2012 opening

World boxing champion and Bacolod’s adopted son Manny Pacquiao is expected to arrive in Bacolod City March 12 for the opening of the 2012 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association meet at the Panaad Park and Sports Stadium.

The event will be held from March 12 to16 at the Paglaum Sports Complex and Panaad Park.

Regional director Mildred Garay of the Department of Education said yesterday that there is a 90 percent chance that Pacquiao will come.

She said WBO light flyweight champ Donnie “Ahas” Nietes is the invited speaker for the sports forum, that will be a gathering of coaches and trainors.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he has been in touch with the private secretary of Pacquiao but they have no confirmation yet if he is coming since the Filipino champ is still in the United States.

“When we had a meeting on this, I even suggested that there should be two speakers during the opening in case Pacquiao could not come,” Leonardia said. As of the moment, there could be a chance, although they cannot be sure yet, he added.

Leonardia said he will contact Pacquiao himself when he returns to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Garay said the regional meet is expected to gather more than 1,000 athletes. All the events will be played, except for gymnastics, she said.

Garay said Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon will bid for the 2013 Palarong Pambansa to be held in the province.*CGS

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