The most anticipated and biggest sporting event in the region, Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet commenced today with pomp and grandeur at UP Sports Complex in Davao City. Embarking on the theme “One Team, One Dream: Shaping Filipino Sports Champions,” this year’s staging of the games will run starting this April 1 to April 7, with more than 5,000 athletes from 11 divisions to fervently compete across various sporting disciplines, pushing the boundaries of the their capabilities to earn the merit of representing the vibrant spirit of Davao Region on the upcoming Palarong Pambansa later this year in Cebu City.
Gracing the event with her presence is none other than Philippine Vice-President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary, Sara Z. Duterte, serving as the games’ esteemed guest speaker. In her address to the thousands of participating athletes, she graciously reminded them of their indomitable spirit as proud Davaoeños.
“Ayaw mo kalimot, you are Davaoeños, you are champions. You will fly, you will soar, you will fight, and you will win,” Vice President Duterte declared, igniting a fervor of determination among the assembled athletes.
“Patuloy tayo maging matatag tungo sa pagtaguyod ng isang bansang makabata, at mga batang makabansa. Ang lahat ng ginagawa natin ay para sa Diyos, sa bayan, at sa pamilyang Pilipino,” she added, inspiring a renewed sense of purpose and national pride.
Also present in the opening ceremony was Governor Niño Uy, braving the sweltering heat of the summer sun to extend his relentless support to the promising talents of the Davao Oriental Sunrisers, as well as to the Division of Mati City Eagles.
Earlier in the day, Governor Uy visited the billeting quarters of the Davao Oriental delegation at Sta. Ana Central Elementary School, offering words of encouragement and bolstering the morale of the young athletes.
Governor Uy’s steadfast commitment to sports development in the province is evident through strengthened collaborative efforts with the Department of Education Schools Division of Davao Oriental. Recognizing the significant role of sports in fostering resilience and instilling values in the youth, the governor, through the Provincial Sports and Youth Development Office, has worked tirelessly to cultivate a thriving sports culture in Davao Oriental through a stronger sports development program.
This year, the Province of Davao Oriental proudly fields a contingent of 426 young athletes, along with their dedicated coaches and support staff, to compete in DAVRAA 2024. The delegation have received generous incentives from the Provincial Government, alongside essential provisions such as uniform kits, transportation and meal subsidies, and pocket money, ensuring they can focus wholeheartedly on delivering their best performances on the annual regional meet. 𝗕𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀 𝗝𝗮𝘆 𝗠. 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻 | 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗕 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝘆𝗿𝗼𝗻, 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘇 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗼
