All roads return to Apayao in April as the province hosts the largest sports gathering in the region for the third time.
Gov. Elias Bulut Jr. earlier expressed his intent to host the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association with the Department of Education – Cordillera (DepEd – CAR) officially granting the province’ request on January 22 signed by regional director Estela Leon-Carino.
“Your request is hereby approved. May we, therefore, schedule a meeting with you and the host Schools Division Office (SDO) to discuss necessary matters concerning the activity,” the letter read.
Bulut earlier emphasized Apayao’s ambition to host CARAA 2024, in a letter addressed to DepEd – CAR on December 28, 2023.
“Our province expresses its earnest intention to host CARAA 2024, the largest and most prestigious sporting event in our region,” the letter stated.
Bulut took pride in Apayao’s outstanding performance during CARAA 2023 in Baguio City, securing a second place finish in the regional meet, it’s highest since becoming a full pledge province 28 years ago.
Acknowledging CARAA’s multifaceted impact in promoting sports excellence, camaraderie, and instilling values of discipline and teamwork among the youth, Bulut emphasized the essential role of the event in advancing sports in the educational sector.
The governor further underscored the potential positive impact of hosting CARAA 2024 on the province’s tourism industry, anticipating that the convergence of athletes from various provinces would showcase Apayao’s unique culture, natural beauty, and hospitality.
Bulut added this exposure is expected to attract visitors and tourists that will ultimately contribute to the economic growth of local communities.
DepEd CAR will conduct inspections of playing areas, billeting schools, and other facilities after the initial meeting.
Apayao, first hosted the regional sports meet in 2013, has been developing its 100 – hectare sports complex in Luna that includes an Olympic size swimming pool and a rubberized tartan track.
Bulut said the development of the sports complex was done phase by phase as they still scamper for funds for its improvement.
“We are on the process of improving our sports complex and we want it to be our legacy to our children. The province has been strategizing on how to boost the morale of our youth thru sports and by showcasing Apayao to the region, we hope that it would catapult us as one of the region’s sports hubs,” Bulut added.
Bulut said investing in quality sports facility is one way of boosting the development of athletes in the grassroots. NLMonitor
