Last week, all roads led to Biñan City, Laguna as young athletes from all over Calabarzon region flocked to the city to participate in the Regional Athletic Association Meet (RAAM).
The city, long noted for hosting large-scale sporting events such as the football matches of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, once again proved that it is more than capable of being a "sports mecca" of Laguna province.
City Mayor Arman Dimaguila and Vice Mayor Gel Alonte led the opening ceremonies held last April 7 at the Biñan Football stadium, joining officials from the Laguna provincial government led by Vice Governor Karen Agapay and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Biñan City hosts regional athletic meet
Aside from the opening ceremony, Biñan City hosted some of the main sports competitions at the RAAM, as well as providing accommodation to the delegates from various school divisions in Calabarzon who participated at the event.
"Kapag nakakita kayo ng mga atleta na mas magaling sa inyo, learn from them. At gamitin ninyo ang pagkakataon na ito upang makipagkaibigan [sa mga kapwa ninyo atleta]," Mayor Dimaguila advised to the athletes as he welcomed them to Biñan City.
He also urged the delegates to "experience Biñan" (the city's official tourism slogan) through visiting its important historical, social and cultural sites.
“Tinitiyak ko po na sa Lungsod ng Biñan, ang mararamdaman ninyo ay ang init – hindi lamang ng panahon, kundi ang pagtanggap ng mga tao sa inyo,” he added.
This year's RAAM, held until April 13, is considered to be an important stepping-stone for the region's young athletes, as this event will determine who will represent Calabarzon at the Palarong Pambansa to be held in Cebu this July.
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