In the fourth and final leg of the 2015 MILO Little Olympics, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo De Cebu (SHS-ADC) made a herculean feat and outclassed two-time regional champion University of San Carlos (USC) to become the overall winner for secondary division of the Visayas Regional Eliminations. Spectators at the Iloilo City Sports Complex were caught by surprise as SHS-ADC wrought a 23-point lead against the tournament favorites.
Meanwhile, USC Baby Warriors held its ground and retained its position as overall winners in the elementary division for the fourth straight year. USC Baby Warriors secured its spot as the Visayas representatives for the elementary division in the MILO finals to be held in Laguna in October. They will be joined by SHS-ADC who will represent Visayas in the high school division.
The Iloilo tourney was well represented by more than 5,000 athletes from over 200 schools throughout Visayas including those from Cebu, Bohol and Dumaguete. The Visayas bets went head to head to nab their respective victories in 15 sporting events namely Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Football, Gymnastics, Lawn Tennis, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Sepak Takraw, Scrabble, and two new sports in the line-up, Arnis and Karatedo.
Visayas regional organizer of the MILO Little Olympics Ricky Ballesteros was optimistic with the turnout of the participants during the four-day sporting event. “I am thrilled that we were blessed with an even stronger contingent of athletes from all over the Visayas region who were hungry for victory,” he said. “Because of this, this year’s Visayas leg proved to be more exciting, filled with surprise results, upsets and new talents who have truly deserved every cheer from the crowd.”
Outstanding Achievements
The Magis Eagles exhibited excellent performances by topping its closest pursuers in Basketball and Swimming, while Tennis and Football greatly contributed USC’s overall score and claimed the second place, followed by University of San Jose Recoletos with 72 points.
In the elementary division, the USC Baby Warriors took the lead against its competitors in Chess and Track and Field which sealed their bid for the first spot with 72 points a close two-point margin against second placer SHS-ADC with 70 points, who led the elementary Football and Athletics event, while Subangdaku Elementary School – Mandaue City finished third with 50 points.
Visayans Vow Finals Win
Recalling the heated rivalry between current Perpetual Trophy holder, Team NCR and Team Visayas, Ballesteros is hopeful to redeem their stature by winning the big event on October. “Team Visayas will do its best to win this year’s National Finals,” he said. “Our seasoned, yet young athletes will continue to practice more so we can finally reclaim the championship title against Team NCR.”
On October 23 to 25, all winners from the elimination legs will represent their region in the 2015 MILO Little Olympics National Finals which is set to take place in the Laguna Sports Complex in Santa Cruz, Laguna.
Now on its 28th season, the MILO Little Olympics has proven itself to be at the forefront in discovering young Filipino talents who could be the country’s next generation of sports heroes. With the conclusion of the regional legs for this season, MILO Sports Executive Robbie De Vera expressed his congratulations on the success of the annual sporting event. “As we close another successful regionals of the MILO Little Olympics, we look back on the victories, the defeats and the challenges that shaped our student athletes in gaining a stronger outlook that will help them to be better not only as athletes, but also as individuals.” he said. “On behalf of MILO Philippines, our utmost appreciation goes to our regional organizers, provincial government units, academe, as well as the parents of our student-athletes in making this year’s MILO a fruitful one. We hope to see all our athletes and their supporters in the National Finals!”
The 2015 MILO Little Olympics is made possible by Wilson, Mikasa, Molten, Butterfly, Marathon and 2Go Travel, along with endorsements from the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
For more information on MILO Philippines, log on to the official website (http://www.milo.com.ph) or the MILO Philippines Facebook page (www.facebook.com/milo.ph).