The Zamboanga City Division Athletic Association (ZCDAA) Meet dubbed “Juego Calificando na Ciudad de Zamboanga 2024,” formally kicked off at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports complex in Baliwasan, Thursday afternoon, March 7
with Mayor John Dalipe leading the ceremony.
A total of 8 clusters with more or less 5,000 athletes will compete for the title in the 24 sports events during the 4-day activity organized by the Department of Education – ZC Division Office.
In his message, Mayor Dalipe encouraged all athletes to embrace the true spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, even as he cited the Division Meet as not merely a competition but a “celebration of sportsmanship, education and the unyielding
spirit of our youth.”
“May the best of the best win this division meet to represent us in the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) regional meet,” the mayor added.
The 8 competing clusters are the Ayala Labuan Athletic Association (ALAA), Zamboanga Central Baliwasan Athletic Association (ZCBAA), Sta. Maria Putik Athletic Association (SMPAA), Tetuan Talon-talon Athletic Association (TTAA), Mercedes Manicahan Athletic Association (MMAA), Curuan Vitali Athletic Association (CVAA), Private Schools of Zamboanga City Athletic Association (PSZCAA) and State Universities and Colleges (SUC).
Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Majarani Jacinto, represented by her OIC-Assistant SDS Jerry Bokingkito expressed confidence that the annual Division Meet will develop physical skills, self-discipline and good sportsmanship among the athletes.
The Division Meet will select athletes who will represent Zamboanga City during the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association Meet (ZPRAA) which Zamboanga City will host from April 21-27 – after 18 long years.
Also present during the opening program were Councilor Al-Jihan Edding, Chief Education Supervisor Dr. Victoria Mangaser, Sports Consultant Dr. Pedro Melchor Natividad, Zamboanga City Local School Board members, tournament organizers and supervisors, technical committees, and athletes along with their parents and guardians. (Details and Photos: Bernadeth Lazaro, Jen Casido, April Araneta,
Juanito Lloren)