By Cyrus A. Natividad

Val Gilbolinga with his parents is one of the most bemedalled athletes of the CPU Golden Lions in the WVRAA meet.

The 2023 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet held in Kalibo, Aklan from April 24 to 30 included Elementary and Secondary Athletes of Central Philippine University. They were among participants of the Iloilo Provincial delegation who competed with the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Aklan, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental. This year’s WVRAA theme is “Championing Excellence through Sports.” The WVRAA opening program was held on April 26, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

Known as the CPU Golden Lions, the young Centralian athletes worked hard during the WVRAA to bring home 13 golds for the Secondary and 8 for the Elementary; 9 silvers for the secondary and 3 for the elementary; 8 bronzes for the secondary and 3 bronzes for the elementary.

In expressing his appreciation for the athletes who brought home the medals from the recently concluded WVRAA Meet, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said that, “I will direct the Finance Committee to look for funds to give rewards to our players and coaches.” He also said that “I am proud for the athletes – for giving honor to Iloilo City.”

In the WVRAA Meet held in Aklan, the Iloilo delegation, with top gold achiever Central Philippine University became the Champion. They will be part of the delegation of Region 6 in the pre-Palarong Pambansa, to be held in Cebu City in June 2023.

The WVRAA activity aims to strengthen sports activities in the region and to choose the best athletes to represent Region VI to the 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City on July 29- August 5, 2023.