New smashers to man vaunted Banilad team

REIGNING Palarong Pambansa and Milo Little Olympics badminton champion Banilad Elementary School will be pitting new players for the upcoming 18th Milo Little Olympics Visayas Regional Finals.

The multi-sporting event will be held Aug. 16, 17, 18, 24 and 25 at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) and in other venues around the city. Badminton will be held at the Metrsports Badminton Center.

Banilad coach Eddie Estoconing said his team will try its best to maintain its dominance in the elementary badminton competition.

“Some of my best players have already graduated and I will be fielding in a new pool of talents,” said Estoconing. “I just hope that this will be a fruitful campaign for us.”

Banilad’s new players are Neil Navarette, Allen Penute, Bridgette Alipin, Eclaire Satera and Karyll Rio. Those who were part of the old team and will still play are Lyrden Laborte, Carl Bernard Bejasa and Zinah Bejaza.

Banilad Elementery School made its name known after its smashers toppled older players of noted schools in the past. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL