TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) — Donning their colorful uniforms, athletes and coaches from the municipalities of Tinglayan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Balbalan, Pinukpuk, and Tanudan, along with their respective local officials, teachers, and parents, gathered at the Kalinga Sports Complex on Jan. 22 for the opening of the Provincial Athletic Meet 2025.
The event themed, “Play With Heart, Win With Honor,” which runs from Jan. 22 to Jan. 25, aims to select the best athletes to represent the province at the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet to be held in Benguet this February.
Student athletes from elementary to high school in all public schools in the province are participating in the 2025 provincial meet, except Tabuk City, which has its own separate athletic meet.
Most of the events will take place at the Kalinga Sports Center and Kalinga Sports Complex, with some set at various gymnasiums and schools in the city and in the municipality of Rizal.
During the opening ceremony, Gov. James Edduba welcomed the athletes, calling them the pride of their communities. He reminded them that true victory comes from competing with integrity, respect, and sportsmanship.
“I encourage you to strive hard, play with heart, and uphold what defines us as yKalinga. Compete with integrity, respect your opponents, and cherish the camaraderie this event fosters. Remember that every lesson you learn here will shape you into champions—not just in sports, but in life,” the governor said.
Edduba also urged the Department of Education and local government units to provide strong support for athlete training, develop sports programs, and improve sports facilities.
The provincial government is currently enhancing the Kalinga Sports Complex and rehabilitating the swimming pool at the capitol grounds in preparation for next year’s athletic meet, according to the governor.
He also mentioned that a resolution providing incentives to winning Kalinga athletes is now implemented. (JDP/RGA-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
