Rains, inspired performances mark start of Milo Reg’l Finals

Even the intermittent rains failed to dampen the spirit of the thousands of athletes who witnessed yesterday’s start of the 17th Milo Little Olympics Visayas Regional Finals at the soggy Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

In fact, the deluge only added more drama to the colorful opening program attended by 7,000 of the Visayas’ top coaches and athletes who will open today their respective bids for gold and glory in the region’s centerpiece athletic meet.

Instead of running for cover, the participants braved the downpour especially the cheerdancers and the Best Muse contestants. The afternoon drench, in fact, appeared to have energized the cheerdancers who performed their routines with extra kick and gusto.

Colegio dela Inmaculada Concepcion, the secondary cheerdance champion in 2010, reclaimed the title as its signature all-girls ensemble performed a simple but clean routine while Zapatera Elementary School ruled the elementary division with an energy-filled number.

“This is not the worst rain we encountered in the opening ceremonies of the Milo meet. In fact, a few years back, we were forced to move the cheer dance competition to the next day because of the heavy downpour,” said Visayas delegation head Ricky Ballenteros. “Fortunately for us, the rains were not that strong this year.”

University of San Carlos (USC) placed second to CIC while Talisay City National High School rounded off the top three schools in the secondary division. Cebu City Central School finished second in the elementary division while CIC placed third.

BEST MUSE WINNERS

Meanwhile, Saint Cecilia’s College Cebu Inc.’s Vienesse Elare and Laetitia Pangilinan of Labangon Elem. School were crowned as Best Muse in the secondary and elementary divisions, respectively.

Crisfel Mae Velasco of USC-South Campus and Marie Christine Del Solo of Bradford School finished second and third in the secondary division while Leila Arcere Catacutan of Lahug Elem. School and Gleeshane Parone of Don Vicente Rama Memorial ES took runner-up honors in the elementary division.

During yesterday’s opening program, volleyball coach Vilma Veloso of the vaunted Catmon Elementary School girls volleyball team, the three-time Milo national champions, recited the Oath of Coaches. The Oath of Athletes on the other hand, was led by 3rd Milo National Little Olympics “Most Outstanding Athlete” Glenn Thomas Ramos of Don Bosco Technical College.

University of the Visayas’ (UV) gymnast Karen Sthea Velez lit the Urn of the annual multi-sports meet. Velez won gold in the 3rd Nat’l Finals in Linggayen, Pangasinan and a member of the national gymnastics team.

Yesterday’s opening ceremonies was also attended by Milo executives Andrew Neri and Robbie De Vera along with former Milo Executive and current Milo consultant Pat Goc-ong with DepEd Cebu City Schools division superintendent Dr. Rhea Mar Angtud.