CAPPED by a fireworks display, Abra province made one for the books with an Olympic-like opening to captivate the region’s best during the opening of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (Caraa) on Sunday at the Abra Sports Complex in Bangued town.
The 17 year wait was worth it of the province as it set the bar in the opening of the largest sports meet in the region backed by several video presentations for every segment.
Abra Governor Ma. Jocelyn Bernos thanked the Department of Education in the Cordilleras for their trust and confidence in letting the province host the weeklong affair gathering 5,559 athletes and coaches in the weeklong sports competition.
“With all the preparations we have done, all the challenges we have faced, we are happy we are finally here. Bringing the Caraa met to Abra was a challenge on many levels,” said Bernos. “I feel the sense of amazing happiness in my heart that we Abrenos were able to accomplish this.”
Present during the opening ceremonies are PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa and Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Celia Kiram.
Baguio City meanwhile shot to the top as of 5 p.m. Monday with 13 gold medals, seven silver and three bronze medals to open their title retention bid.
The Summer Capital, reeling in the backing out of some athletes snatched six gold medals in swimming and three in athletics in the elementary division while adding four more gold in the secondary level courtesy of athletics and swimming.
Ifugao and Kalinga is currently tied at the number two spot with two gold each while host province Abra, Apayao, and Mt. Province have took home one gold a piece while Benguet has yet to win a gold medal in the DepEd backed sports events although it already bagged three silver and six bronze medals.
