Western Visayas athletes from the primary and secondary schools across the region are entering the final phase of their training this week and will depart for Tagum City in Davao del Norte three days before the games begin on May 3 for the annual 2015 Palarong Pambansa.

Department of Education acting regional director Gemma Ledesma said 481 student-athletes would compete in 32 events, most of them are expected to advance into the finals.

The Western Visayas athletes will be billeted at Carmen Elementary and Carmen National High School, approximately 17 kilometers away from the main venue at DavNor Tourism and Sports Complex in Tagum City.

The Palarong Pambansa this year also features demonstration sports and special games for differently-abled student-athletes.

This year's theme is "Breaking Borders, Building Peace".

Ledesma said 188 elementary and 229 high school athletes will be wearing the regional colors and vie for the gold along with over 9,000 athletes coming from all over the country.

The old rivalry between powerhouse National Capital Region and Region 6 is anticipated to be rekindled, with Region 4, Region 7, and Region 11 posing a threat to the two dominating regions.

Meanwhile, after finishing second behind Davao in the national PRISAA competition in Iloilo earlier this month, the members of the St. John's Institute-bannered Western Visayas secondary boys' basketball team are training their sights on the Palarong Pambansa gold medal.

The team is composed of Sean Francis Sajo, Christian Acero, Ralph Steven Canino, Daniel Baja, Kyle Matthew Chua, Sam Jaycee Adjei, Marvin Tongol, Paul Fuentebella Jr., Rafael Puentevella, Armand Kyle Guevarra, Justin Kristopher Javelosa and Donn Spencer Lim. Head coach is Ritchie Militante with Troy Sarabia as assistant coach.*NAB

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