BAGUIO CITY(PIA) -- The province of Apayao kicked off  its  29th founding anniversary celebration with sports tournaments  highlighting the continuing development of sports in the grassroots.

 Apayao provincial and municipal officials led the kick off parade with contingents coming from the different government line agencies, local government units, law enforcement agencies, schools and the other sectors in Poblacion, Luna  on February 3, 2024.

The program proper and the official start of the sports tournament followed at the BGVJR Memorial Sports Complex with volleyball star player and former Miss Universe Philippines candidate Michelle Gumabao as guest of honor.

Gumabao provided inspiration especially  to the youth as she shared her experiences as an athlete. She encouraged them to go into sports to stay in shape, and get the chance to represent not only the province  but also the country in various sports events in and out of the country.

“Napakaganda po talaga para sa ating mga kabataan kung gusto nyo po na mag sports.  Napakalaki na po talaga ng potential ng ating mga batang atleta, pwede ninyo pong irepresent not only Apayao, but you can represent the region and the country , and that is the biggest honor you can get as an athlete,” Gumabao said .

“Sana from the province of Apayao, mas marami pa tayong mahone at matrain na mga athletes, mga bata na mahilig sa sports, dahil makapagbibigay po talaga tayo ng honor sa ating pamilya, region at sa ating bansa. Malayo po ang nararating ng pagiging atleta, hindi lang sa career pati na din sa buhay,” she added.

Gumabao, who currently plays for the Creamline Cool Smashers, led an exhibition game  between a team of guest athletes and  team of players from the different municipalities. The exhibition game signaled  the start of the volleyball tournament, as well as the basketball tourney.

Governor Elias Bulut Jr. has always been pushing for sports development in the province.  It has  its own sports complex complete with a rubberized tartan track, and an Olympic size swimming pool. There are also basketball gymnasium in all the municipalities.

The provincial government is currently  constructing a 10,000-seater coliseum complete with sports facilities and equipment  which  could host national sports events such as the Palarong Pambansa.

During the opening program,  the 14 candidates for the  "Taer ken Dayag ti Apayao" or Mister and Miss Apayao were formaly  presented to the public. 

 Highlights of the celebration will be on Feb. 14  marking the separation of Apayao from the  province of Kalinga  thru Republic Act 7878  authored by the late Apayao patriarch Elias Bulut Sr.,  and passed in 1995.(RMC-PIA CAR)(Apayao PIO photos)