MYG reigning champion Manila, represented by UAAP titlist Adamson University, battles Quezon City, bannered by University of the Philippines, at 1 p.m. in the girls’ softball 16-17 age category.
The Adamson-UP tussle will actually be the start of the two teams’ best-of-three series for the title as they are the only teams entered in the event.
Parañaque City and Palayan City of Nueva Ecija also start their own best-of-three battle in the boys’ 16-17 bracket starting at 11 a.m. Parañaque and Palayan City are also the only teams taking part in the sport. But unlike the girls’ softball play, baseball has been relegated to an exhibition series and the medals to be won will not be counted in the team standings.
Games in the 12-under boys’ baseball level and girls’ softball 13-15 divisions have yet to be finalized pending the drawing of lots scheduled late yesterday.
Seven teams are vying for top honors in the 12-under boys baseball play and they are Manila, Taguig of Rizal Province, Palayan, Tanauan of Batangas, Muntinlupa City, Antopolo City and Bohol Province.
Manila, Laguna province, Parañaque and Palayan will be contesting the 13-15 girls’ softball crown.
Competition in boys’ football opens shop tomorrow at the Luneta Park, while the centerpiece athletics won’t start until Thursday at the University of Santo Tomas field. Swimming is scheduled to begin Friday at the Rizal Memorial pool. Taekwondo will be contested on Sunday.
The Games, the biggest sports conclave being held through the auspices of a local government unit, were formally inaugurated yesterday with an estimated 7,000 people, made up of participating athletes, top local government units officials, representatives of the Big City’s 897 barangays, six congressional districts and those of the 130 public and private schools in attendance during the elaborate opening rites at the San Andres Sports Complex.
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, in his speech, underscored the city government’s efforts in putting more premium on the youth through the Games which is presented by Globe Telecoms and backed by Pagcor, San Miguel Corp., Milo, Red Bull, Philippine Airlines, Super Ferry, Land bank, Unilever, Speedo, Isuzu Manila, IntraSports and Concept Movers.
"In line with our Buhayin ang Maynila program, we have relentlessly pursued a thrust for the youth in the belief that sports and physical fitness play an important role in building a strong and healthy Filipino society,’ Atienza said.
