Pangasinan gears for major sportsfest

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The provincial government of Pangasinan is preparing for the biggest and longest-running sports spectacle in the collegiate level to be held in February.

Around 6,000 athletes, coaches and game officials from 17 regions all over the country will be participating in said event, the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Collegiate Games, slated February 10-16 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here.

Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. expressed elation that the PRISAA had chosen the provincial government of Pangasinan and Dagupan City as this year’s hosts.

The wee-long event is in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) - Region 1, PRISAA member schools in Region 1 and Department of Education through Schools Divisions of Pangasinan 1 and City of Dagupan.

This event will serve as a big break for the province, particularly in terms of showcasing its tourism and industrial assets, after the successful staging of the PalarongPambansa last May 2012 here.

A refresher and accreditation seminar for technical officials will take place on Feb. 6-9, followed by the athletic parade and grand opening ceremonies on February 11 from 2p.m. onwards at NRSCC.

The participating teams and athletes will vie for supremacy in 18 sporting events, namely: Athletics (M/W), basketball (M/W), badminton (M/W), sepaktakraw (M), beach volleyball (M/W), baseball (M), softball (W), volleyball (M/W), football (M), boxing (M), chess (M/W), karate-do (M/W), judo (M), dance sports, lawn tennis (M/W), table tennis (M/W) and swimming (M/W).