For 3 years-in-a-row, minus the pandemic- imposed lull, Ormoc's support to its athletes continues to yield positive results as it bags its third win as the region's overall grand champion in the recently concluded Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet in Tacloban City.
For sports enthusiasts who religiously follow this athletic meet, it is no secret that Ormocanon athletes are the ones to look out for in various sports categories, age and physique of the players.
Such reputation comes with years of hard work, dedication and support of its city government which funds the best equipment and facilities in the training camps and the best coaches in the field which includes names that once brought pride for the country in the Olympic games.
In addition to the trainings and conditioning, Ormoc city knows how to motivate its athletes even more with cash incentives per medal rather than per athlete- P5,000 for gold, P3,000 for silver and P2,000 for bronze. Amounts that may not be much for some but for the athletes are a big help to support their needs and even lend a hand for some with struggling families.
Ormoc city is reaping what it sowed. An act that many other athletes could only hope to receive from their local officials and government units. It takes more than the children's perseverance and hard work to be able to compete in bigger arenas. A realization that many other officials are yet to see- to bring pride to the country and to their communities.
Ormoc City was recognized as “Grand Champion of the Sports and Adventure Tourism Event” in the 23rd Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) National Convention held in Taal Vista Hotel last October 27, 2022 and was greatly commended after hosting the 2019 EVRAA in partnership with the Ormoc Division of the Department of Education (DepEd) under its “Support to Athletes in Pursuit of Accomplishing Total Life-Changing Opportunities in Sports” (SAPATOS) sports development program.
Overall, the Torres-Gomez couple's advocacy in sports development-related legislations is mirrored in their constituents who are encouraged to do their utmost best.
A mutual relationship that reminds the people that it takes more than the children's perseverance and hard work to be compete in bigger arenas. A realization that many officials are yet to see: that it is not just the athlete's name but the pride pride of the country and their communities.