At A Glance
- The student-athletes from 400 private schools around the country are expected to strut their wares in 27 disciplines composed of eight team sports, 14 individual and dual sports, and five Cultural & Academic Events in the week-long tournament inside the Naga capital.
LEGAZPI CITY – Around 10,000 participants across 17 regions take the spotlight on Monday, July 22, when the 2024 Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games fires off in various venues here.
The student-athletes from 400 private schools around the country are expected to strut their wares in 27 disciplines composed of eight team sports, 14 individual and dual sports, and five Cultural & Academic Events in the week-long tournament inside the Albay capital.
Philippine Sports Commision (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann graced the Mayor’s Night with city chief Geraldine Rosal on Saturday where he stressed how important and valuable PRISAA’s role for the country’s grassroot programs.
“This time, festivities demonstrate the effectiveness of a grassroots sports program. The consistent production of world-class athletes is made possible through this event,” Bachmann said.
“For PRISAA you’d have become a valuable partner in fulfilling our mandate,” he added. “For the athletes, show your excellence and integrity in every match. Win or lose, the spirit of respect, humanity, and willingness to rise from the ashes will prevail.”
Opening its inaugural edition in 1953, PRISAA produced some of the best athletes in the country that include Paris-bound weightlifters Elreen Ando and John Febuar Ceniza, and Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo.
Western Visayas (Region 6) and Central Visayas (Region 7) are expected to return with a bang after finishing in the Top 2 of the overall medal tally last year held in Zamboanga City.
Not to be outdone are host Bicol Region (Region 5), which aims to outdo its ninth-place finish last year.
PRISAA opens with an athletic parade and will have its closing ceremony led by tournament executive director Prof. Elbert C. Atilano Sr. on July 26.