The 2012 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association will open on March 12 at the Panaad Park and Sports Stadium in Bacolod City with either Manny Pacquiao or James Yap as guest speaker at the opening ceremony.

In yesterday's meeting of the regional sports heads presided by Department of Education Regional Director Mildred Garay, the group presented the plan to invite boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Negrense basketball superstar James Yap at the opening program.

The group will seek the assistance of Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, a close friend of Pacquiao, in seeking the Sarangani Representative's confirmation to attend the event, while another group has been tasked to confirm Yap 's attendance.

Negros Occidental DepEd Provincial Sports head Romeo Sison said the presence of Pacquiao and Yap in the opening ceremony will not only inspire the athletes but will make the opening salvo of the annual regional sports meet the most glamorous.

To add color to the opening ceremony, the organizers will be tapping the San Carlos City's “Pintaflores”, Kabankalan City's “Sinulog”, and La Castellana's “Bailes de Luces” to perform and showcase the famous the festival events in Negros Occidental.

Meanwhile, regional Task Force in School Sports head, Juliet Braga, said they will implement the striker rules and guidelines to discipline all athletes in this year's meet.

Under the rules, all coaches will not only monitor and supervise the activities of their athletes but will be held accountable for their lapses.

The 2012 WVRAA will have 17 sports disciplines with the inclusion of sepak takraw, taekwondo, and tennis.

Delegates from the six provinces, including host Negros Occidental, are expected to arrive in Bacolod City starting March 7 and will be billeted in public schools in the city.*NAB

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