The picturesque province of La Union, along with the municipality of Bacnotan, is set to become the epicenter of athletic prowess as it hosts the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet from March 10 to 15. This much-anticipated event will see the convergence of approximately 10,000 young athletes from across the four provinces of Region 1, all eager to showcase their skills and compete for glory.
The spotlight will shine brightly on the championship-winning basketball team from Divine Word Academy of Dagupan, among others, as they vie for top honors in this regional showdown. The main battlegrounds for these competitions will be strategically located at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in San Fernando City, Bacnotan, and Dagupan City, Pangasinan, ensuring a thrilling atmosphere for both participants and spectators.
To accommodate the influx of athletes, the towns of Bangar, Luna, Balaoan, and San Juan have been designated as billeting areas, promising a comfortable stay for all competitors. Darius Nieto, a Project Development Officer from the Department of Education (DepEd) Ilocos Region’s Education Support Services Division, expressed confidence in the readiness of the venues, which are conveniently situated near hospitals with emergency response teams on standby, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
The Ilocos Police Regional Office has also committed to providing comprehensive security measures throughout the event, allowing athletes to focus solely on their performance. The R1AA Meet will feature a diverse array of 23 sports, ranging from basketball and chess to dance, football, and gymnastics, catering to a wide spectrum of athletic talents.
The victors of this regional competition will earn the prestigious opportunity to advance to the Palarong Pambansa, the national stage where they can further demonstrate their athletic excellence.