The 2012 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet opens this afternoon, 3:30 p.m. at the Panaad Park and Stadium with host Negros Occidental committing to make the weeklong competition one of the biggest events in the province this year.

Overall chairman and Department of Eduation Regional Director for Western Visayas Mildred Garay said this year’s regional meet is a prelude to Negros Occidental’s bid to host the 2013 Palarong Pambansa.

With the rules in selecting the host province for the annual national games changing and getting more strict especially on the facilities, Garay said Negros Occidental has to “perfect” its hosting task in this year’s WVRAA to showcase its capability and enhance its chances of winning the bid.

“With the full support of the local government and other stakeholders in Western Visayas, I have a feeling that we will get the Palaro 2013,” Garay said, adding that they will make sure that the conduct of the 2012 WVRAA is close to what everyone expects to happen next year.

Negros’ bid for the national Palaro has the support of Philippine Sports Commissioner chairman Richie Garcia, Executive Assistant to the Governor for Sports Angel Verdeflor said.

“I was able to approach PSC (chairman) Garcia who is willing to help us in our bid,” Verdeflor said.

Meanwhile, today’s opening ceremony of the 2012 WVRAA Meet will be ushered by a Sports Forum this morning, 9 a.m., at the Panaad Stadium with two-division boxing champion Donnie Nietes as main speaker.

Guests, tournament managers, officials and athletic delegations from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and host Negros Occidental will also be presented at the Sports Forum.

Former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri will address the delegates in the afternoon’s opening ceremony while Geronimo Esguerra, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs will deliver a message on behalf of DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro.

Richee Joy Cabanyog, 2011 Palarong Pambansa discus throw gold medalist will do the ceremonial lighting of urn, while badminton gold medalist Dhessa Mae Arino will lead the ahtletes’ oath of amateurism.

The opening rites will also feature a playground demonstration from the students of Negros Occidental High School and a festival presentation from Bacolod City’s MassKara, Talisay City’s Minuluan, San Carlos’ Pintaflores, La Carlota’s Pasalamat, and Kabankalan’s Udyakan.*NAB

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