BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan has declared this year’s Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) games a success during the closing program Wednesday at the Baguio Athletic Bowl.
Hosting the prestigious annual athletic event for the third straight year, the Summer Capital retained its title as over-all champions in both the elementary and secondary divisions.
Domogan reminded the athletes that just by being part of their delegations and participating in the week-long activity make them all winners. He also congratulated those who were able to garner medals in their respective fields including the coaches and officials of each delegation.
“The CARAA games are being conducted not only to discover the athletic talent of young people but also to inculcate sportsmanship, camaraderie and fair play,” he said.
The Mayor also emphasized the importance of sports in bringing people together despite whatever differences there may be.
“The happiness of parents is to see their children succeed. May our young athletes continue to hone their skills and talents as they climb the ladder of life and meet success in whatever endeavor they choose to pursue,” Domogan said.
He commended and thanked all the offices, agencies, departments and all others who took part in making this year’s CARAA activity a success including the schools where the athletes were billeted and the police for ensuring their safety.
Around five thousand athletes, coaches and officials from the region’s six provinces and two cities participated in this year’s CARAA games.-gaby keith
Team Baguio was announced as the champion. The awarding ceremony was hosted by Johnny Kadian and Lourdes Lomes-e. It began with a prayer led by the Principal of Irisan National high School Brenda Carino followed by the opening remarks of Attorney Augustin Laban III.
Trophies were distributed to the winners by Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Atty. Augustin Laban III, Beatriz Torno of DepEd CAR and Councilors Leandro Yangot Jr. and Peter Fianza. As for the results of the CARAA 2017, Elementary division, Team Apayao ranked 2nd runner up followed by Team Benguet as 1st runner up and Team Baguio as champion by snagging 85 gold medals, 45 silver medals and 21 bronze medals.
Under the secondary division, Team Baguio was declared champion once again by receiving 146 gold medals, 57 silver medals and 38 bronze medals; the 1st runner up spot was taken by Team Benguet and Team Mountain Province as the 2nd runner up. For the overall results, Team Baguio broke last year’s record of 212 gold medals by snagging 231 gold medals, 112 silver medals and 59 bronze medals this year. Other awards were given such as the cleanest delegation which was received by Team Mountain Province and the most disciplined, Team Kalinga-Tabuk City.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan gave his message after the awarding of trophies wherein he thanked and congratulated all athletes, parents and teachers who participated in this year’s CARAA. Mayor Domogan also added to his message where he encouraged all athletes to be inspired by their performance, dedication and team work for one day, they can be the real champions of this country. Lastly, the Mayor reminded the athletes of Baguio that they will be playing in the Palarong Pambansa soon.
The CARAA meet was formally closed by Beatriz Torno followed by the lowering of banners, the turn-over of CARAA banner to the host, flag retreat led by Jane Marie Ngolab, the School Head of Quezon Hill National High School and lastly, the singing of Camaraderie Song (Auld Lang Syne).** gaby keith with reports from Denver Ebba (pio intern)
