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Photo: Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI) Secretary General Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain shares a light moment with fellow Olympian Ryan Arabejo, now head coach of Ilocos Sur swimming team, during the technical briefing for the conduct of the swimming event for the Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games on Sunday at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Center.
The 2023 Batang Pinoy (BP) and Philippine National Games (PNG) – the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) centerpiece program for young and elite athletes — formally kicks off on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium with an ensemble of legendary Filipino sports icons headlining the opening ceremonies.
The gathering of Pinoy sports legends will include 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial, both alumni of several editions of BP and PNG.
Gymnast siblings, Olympian Carlos Yulo and younger brother Karl Eldrew – who competed in the 2018 and 2019 editions of Batang Pinoy winning a total of 12 gold and two silver medals –joined the guests in the opening rites.
“We are honored and thrilled to announce that some of the most iconic names in Philippine sports history will be gracing the opening ceremonies of the games,” said PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann.
Dubbed “Sibol: The Rise of the New Athlete”, the return of the Philippine Sports Commission’s flagship grassroots program aims to be ground zero for top Filipino young athletes from where future international stars could eventually spring.
Tennis sensation Alex Eala, 2023 Asian Para Games gold medalist Jerrold Mangliwan, para-swimming standout Angel Mae Otom, and Philippine Sports Hall-of-Famer bowling legend PSC Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo and Olympian swimmer and Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain also take part in the opening program.
“Their presence serves as a testament to the rich legacy of sports in our nation and will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of athletes participating in these games,” Bachmann added.
As part of the festivities, the sports legends were introduced, with performances retelling their journeys, challenges, and triumphs that contributed to the growth and success of Philippine sports on the global stage.
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