Capitol Screens Players For CVIRAA Meet

The Provincial Capitol prepares more than 500 qualified athletes to represent their respective Cebu schools in the upcoming Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) meet on February 7-14, 2016.

The screening was held on January 19, Tuesday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Capitol Social Hall.

Athletes in the primary and secondary levels lined up in their respective sports events, waiting to be called for the screening. They came to the screening with their coaches.

During the interview, the players were asked about basic information, credentials, and final requirements. These athletes have already played and won in the provincial sports and cultural meet last November 22-28, 2015.

Players in the elementary level are from age 9 to 12, and ages 13-18 in the high school level.

A shy 9-year-old boy, Yani Oliverio, is a gymnast from Compostella Central School. He is the youngest in a group of three. The neophyte just started gymnastics this school year under the training of his P.E. teacher.

Charliz Juliana Casinillo, 11, represents Cordova Central School in the field of lawn tennis. She is in grade 5 but has already been playing the sport since she was in grade 3. Aside from tennis, she also plays table tennis and basketball.

A graduating student of Bantayan Science High School is going to run in the 400-m dash. Lynmart Mata, a 16-year-old all-around athlete, has been actively training in track and field for 7 years and counting. “Diha ko naay talent, diha ko komportable, diha ko mo-excel, ug diha ko na-bagay,” answered Mata when asked why he chose to run instead of pursuing his other sports such as basketball and soccer. He said it was his second time to join the regional meet.

Eighteen (18) evaluators from 13 divisions in Region 7 screened players of 21 different sports events such as badminton, swimming, taekwondo, arnis, and tennis. Some of the evaluators are from the provinces of Bohol and Siquijor.

By Shayne Carrillo (USJR Intern)