BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental’s athlete-medalists during the recently concluded Western Visayas Regional Athletics Association (WVRAA) Meet received a total of P1.5 million in cash incentives.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the distribution of incentives yesterday at the Capitol Social Hall.
Athletes who won gold medals received P1,500 each, P1,000 for silver, and P700 for bronze.
Negros Occidental team won the following medals:
* Elementary – 64 gold, 64 silver and 49 bronze medals
* Secondary – 88 gold, 86 silver and 73 bronze medals
Coaches, assistant coaches, chaperones, and trainers also got cash incentives.
Negros Occidental ranked first runner-up in the final result of WVRAA 2024.
Lacson said the incentives received by the athletes is a symbol of appreciation and must not be the reason why they compete.
“Beyond monetary rewards, sports competitions offer a platform to showcase your skills. Whether it’s winning a championship or simply performing your best, these goals provide motivation and purpose that you need to excel both in life and sports,” he said.
The governor added: “To those who will represent Negros Occidental and Western Visayas in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa, carry with you the same determination and passion or even greater than what led you to victory in WVRAA.”
Negros Occidental hosted this year’s WVRAA Meet from May 2 to May 7.
The regional meet saw a total of 5,695 delegates, comprised of athletes, chaperones, coaches, trainers, and other personnel.
The athletes’ breakdown per province includes 543 from Aklan, 475 from Antique, 481 from Capiz, 389 from Guimaras, 543 from Iloilo, and 541 from Negros Occidental./PN
