Photo credits from DXCS 96.7 FM
DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) — Nearly a thousand participants, including athletes, coaches, and technical officials, are gearing up for the annual Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet 2025, which will take place in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte from February 23-28, 2025.
The ZPRAA Meet is a highly anticipated regional sports event that serves as a platform for student-athletes from various divisions in Region IX to compete at a high level.
It also acts as a qualifier for the Palarong Pambansa, where top-performing athletes will earn the chance to represent the Zamboanga Peninsula on the national stage.
In preparation for the event, the local government unit has actively been overseeing the enhancement of Siocon’s state-of-the-art sports facilities, including the Julian Soriano Memorial Sports Complex with its rubberized oval, the Siocon Cultural Exhibition Center, Siocon Municipal Plaza, and Siocon Legislative Building, which are just some of the venues for the competition.
Moreover, the competition will bring together various athletic associations from across the region, including the Dapitan City Athletic Association, Dipolog City Athletic Association, Isabela City Division Athletic Association, Pagadian City Division Athletic Association, Zamboanga City Division Athletic Association, Zamboanga del Norte Athletic Association, Zamboanga del Sur Athletic Association, and Zamboanga Sibugay Division Athletic Association, among others.
Furthermore, athletes and coaches are eagerly preparing for the intense competition ahead. S’vergel S. Llego, Head Coach and Instructor of Dipolog Kick Station, shared his thoughts on the team’s mindset heading into the event.
“As we prepare for the ZPRAA Meet 2025, our team is fueled by a deep commitment to excellence, discipline, and sportsmanship. Over the past months, we have trained rigorously, pushing our limits to refine both our technique and mental resilience. Our expectations are high—not just in terms of performance, but in demonstrating the values that define a true martial artist: respect, perseverance, and integrity.
“We see this competition as an opportunity to showcase the hard work and dedication our athletes have put in, while also learning from our peers and growing as a team. More than just aiming for medals, we want to inspire others through our determination and passion for Taekwondo. We are ready to step onto the mats with confidence, represent Dipolog City with pride, and give our very best in every match.”
Echoing this dedication, Jon Denver P. Gumela, Assistant Coach and Instructor of Dipolog Kick Station, emphasized their team’s drive for success:
“Our team is highly motivated for the upcoming ZPRAA Meet 2025, driven by our passion for Taekwondo and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We have been training rigorously, refining our techniques, and strengthening our mental and physical endurance to perform at our best. More than just winning medals, we aim to showcase discipline, sportsmanship, and the values that Taekwondo instills in us.
“This competition is an opportunity to test our athletes’ skills, learn from other competitors, and make their schools and Dipolog City proud. We are excited to step onto the mats, give our all, and prove that dedication and hard work lead to success.”
As the ZPRAA Meet 2025 draws near, athletes and organizers alike are ensuring that this year’s competition will not only highlight talent but also strengthen camaraderie and the spirit of sportsmanship among young athletes in the Zamboanga Peninsula. (PJF/CJH-OJT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
