CEBU CITY – The provincial government lauded athletes who represented Bohol in the recent Batang Pinoy (BP) and Philippine National Games (PNG) in Manila.

The Bohol delegation harvested 33 medals – seven golds, 10 silvers, and 16 bronzes.

Metodia Maraguinot Jr., head of the Provincial Youth Development Office, said the province sent 98 athletes who competed in 17 sporting events.

Leading Bohol’s medal haul was track and field athlete Diana Rysiamie Huraño who collected two golds and one bronze medal.

Swimmer Kleone Mole was the province’s most bemedalled athlete in the national meet with two silvers and two bronzes.

This was Bohol’s best finish in the annual national games as it more than doubled its last year’s medal output with 13.

“We cannot achieve this feat without the support given by Gov. Aris Aumentado. We got the funds for our campaign in the national games through the office of Gov. Aris,” said Maraguinot.

The improved showing of the Boholano athletes is a testament to the overwhelming support given by the provincial government, said Maraguinot.

Maraguinot said the province will continue to push for programs that will further help the development of Boholano athletes.

“For this year, we trained starting January. So year-round training is very important. We will give the athletes the needed training for them to reach their full potential so that when the competition comes, they are well-prepared,” said Maraguinot.

Through the help of the Aumentado, Maraguinot said the province already has the funds for the training of the athletes next year.