Tolentino eyes to institutionalize ROTC Games

Photo: ROTC co-founder Senator Tol Tolentino welcomes PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann as CHED Secretary Popoy De Vera looks on during the Games opening ceremony on Sunday. HENRY VARGAS

INDANG, Cavite – Bigger and better ROTC Games next year.

No less than Games co-founder Senator Francis ‘Tol’ Tolentino bares that the success of the program featuring students’ cadets after three legs is enough to inspire the organizers to institutionalize the Games.

“We still have the NCR leg and the National Finals to work for, but with the show of unity and cooperation by the agencies concerned, napagtagumpayan natin ito kahit maraming challenges tayong kinaharap,” said Tolentino before he declared the Games officially open during the rain-soaked opening and parade of the athlete’s ceremony at the Cavite State University track oval here.

“Itong hosting ng Cavite ay maraming first. First time ng CAVSU making host ng ganitong tournament at first time in three legs na umabot sa mahigit 1,000 ang registered athletes natin from over 100 schools,” added Tolentino, who was joined in the ceremony by fellow Senator Bong Go, CHED Secretary Popoy De Vera, the provincial and city officials and PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann.

Hangzhou Asian Games bound Olympian boxers Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio led the lighting of the cauldron to the delight of athletes, officials, and a sizeable crowd who braved the afternoon downpour just to have a glimpse of the country’s three biggest star in amateur boxing.

“From its first and second legs in Visayas and Mindanao, the ROTC Games continues to embody the principles that are at the core of both sports and military service. These games are not merely competitions, they are a reflection of the dedication, determination, and teamwork that our ROTC cadets demonstrate day in and day out,” said Bachmann in his message.

“These attributes also align seamlessly with the values of the PSC, where we continuously strive to promote excellence, unity, and the development of our young talents. As we open this competition, let us embrace the camaraderie that these games inspire, and celebrate the shared values that unite us all,” he added.

Action in the seven sports – athletics, arnis, boxing, basketball, esports, kickboxing, and volleyball starts today at the Cavsu venue.