At least 4,500 athletes, coaches, chaperons, trainers, technical officials, and other personnel of technical working groups graced the opening of the 2024 Bohol Provincial Athletic Meet in the Municipality of Garcia Hernandez.

Senator Francis Tolentino, guest of honor, has encouraged athletes to take their training with tenacity.

“Sa sports o sa tunay na buhay, dili ta angay mawad-an og paglaum. Sige lang practice kay darating ang araw maging champion kayo,” the senator said.

The opening also saw the launch of the first-ever Bohol Sports Academy for further intensive training of athletes in the province.

The academy aspires to produce champions in international sports competitions. 

Under the sports academy, athletes can choose sports of their fancy and the corresponding program.

“Atong goal is to produce champions diri sa Bohol. Maka-produce ta og world-class athletes. Dili lang pang-Bohol, pang-international pa,” Dr. Fay Luarez, officer in charge of the Department of Education Bohol, said.

According to Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, the academy is seen to divert the attention of the youth from vices.

“Ang mga kabatan-onan makapili og unsa ilang sports aron malayo sa bisyo.  Of course, kinahanglanon og partner mao ang DepEd ang napili,” Aumentado said.

The Provincial Government of Bohol has allocated P2 million for the purchase of equipment for the academy. 

(via L. Udtohan, A. Aballe/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)