BACOLOD City emerged on top in the first Negros Island Regional Athletics Association Meet (NIRAAM) hosted by Bacolod City from March 1 to 7.
(Bacolod City Communications Office)
BACOLOD CITY – This highly-urbanized city triumphed over 12 schools division and bagged 165 gold medals in the first Negros Island Regional Athletics Association Meet (NIRAAM) hosted by this city from March 1 to 7.
Bacolod, which also lead the secondary division with 112 golds, earned 102 silvers and 102 bronze medals across all sports events in the week-long competition.
Dr. Ramir Uytico, regional director of the Department of Education-Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR), presented the trophy to Dr. Dennis Develos, Schools Division Superintendent of Bacolod City, during the closing ceremony at Panaad Park and Stadium here on Friday, March 6.
Mayor Greg Gasataya praised athletes, saying that behind every medal is a young Bacolodnon – covered in sweat and dust, breathing hard, legs aching – yet with eyes burning with determination, pushing beyond limits not just for victory, but for their teammates and the pride of the city.
He emphasized that this achievement reflects his long-held belief that supporting one another leads to shared victories, not individual wins.
“What makes this triumph even more meaningful is the spirit behind it. I witnessed teammates cheering from the sidelines, athletes lifting each other after setbacks, and the entire city rallying behind its youth," the mayor said.
Negros Occidental was second with 150 gold, 152 silver, and 102 bronze.
The province also topped the elementary category with 76 gold and dominated the paragames with 33 golds.
Negros Oriental was third with 33 gold, 39 silver, and 59 bronze, fourth were Dumaguete City and Bayawan City with 24 gold each; Kabankalan City with 14; Silay City with seven; Bais City with five; Guihulngan City with four; Siquijor and Tanjay City with three each, and Canlaon City with two.
Qualifiers from NIRAAM will represent the region in the Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31.