1st ELYULYMPICS OPENS WITH A BANG
By: Jiroh Joy Marbella | By: GPC-SP | Date: February 28, 2019
To further show the unity and leadership of youth in La Union through sports, the 1st Elyulympics, an inter-town sportsfest, held its opening parade and programme with its kickoff game on February 28, 2019 at the City Plaza, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Initiated by ABONO Party-list headed by Rep. Vini Nola A. Ortega, in partnership with the Provincial Government of La Union headed by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III and the Provincial Federation of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) headed by SK Provincial President and Ex-officio Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member (SPM) Alyssa Kristine B. Sibuma, the sports fest will include popular tournament games such as basketball, volleyball, chess, badminton and table tennis. The games will be hosted by the different towns in the 1st and 2nd districts of La Union to reach a wider audience especially those from far flung barangays. A cheer dance competition will also be held on April 6, 2019 at the City of San Fernando Plaza Auditorium.
The contingents of each municipality and city of the province started the opening program with a mini parade from the Capitol grounds to the city plaza. Each group had their own unique gimmicks and props such as the contingent from Bangar where they have their famous Abel cloth and their loom-weaving and iloko bolo props. The City of San Fernando meanwhile turned heads as they were led by a fast-food chain set of mascots, dancing to the rhythm of their team chant. Very proud of their town product, the team from Santo Tomas paraded the city streets with their daing or dried-fish props.
Upon arrival at the city plaza, each team was given a chance for a short presentation where they chanted their yells as well as gave a glimpse of their cheer dance moves.
SPM Sibuma, in her opening remarks, assured that this will not be the last Elyulympics and that the SK Provincial Federation will continue this program. "We should all remember the essence of Elyulympics, which is to celebrate local talents and to solidify the youth of La Union," she said.
On behalf of Gov. Pacoy, his wife, Cong. Vini, gave the inspirational message for the SK leadership and youth athletes wherein she said that more than the competition, the event hopes to instill the values of grit, power and determination.
Cong. Vini challenged the participating teams as she said, "…more importantly, we should focus on the fruits of these values which are camaraderie, team work, discipline and respect."
International athlete and sprint runner Mary Grace Milgar from the province together with Professional Surfer and Events Organizer Jeff Ortega were the torch bearers who lit the ceremonial urn signifying the start of the games as well as the burning desire of each athlete in winning in their respective sports.
In the kickoff basketball game, the City of San Fernando Men’s team dominated the Municipality of Santol team with the score of 119-61.
