2015 Palarong ARMMAA begins

PARANG, MAGUINDANAO: The 2015 Palarong Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletics Association (ARMMAA) started on Thursday at Parang Central Elementary School here attended by 5,000 officials and student athletes from across the five provinces of the Muslim autonomous region. The region-wide athletic meet will last until March 3

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, Regional Education Secretary Jamar Kulayan, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, Rep. Bai Sandra Sema of the First District of Maguindanao and Parang Mayor Ibrahim Ibay graced the opening ceremony.

Athletes both from elementary and secondary schools in Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lamitan City, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur 1 and 2 and Maguindanao 1 and 2 will compete in basketball, volleyball, football, athletics, boxing, wushu, arnis, wrestling, taekwondo, and archery.

In 2014, Lamitan City Division ruled the championship of the secondary category while the Division of Tawi-Tawi and Maguindanao I finished second and third respectively.

Winners of the meet will represent the region in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa on the first week of May in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Meanwhile, Rep. Bai Sandra Sema, of the First District of Maguindanao, said that the holding of Palarong ARMAA is relevant and timely especially now that the region has been featured in the news recently because of the Mamasapano incident.

“The Bangsamoro is no ordinary people. The Bangsamoro is a strong and proud people, and as we compete with one another today, we will unite with one another tomorrow. We will rise to stand on the strength of our own feet, we will look at this future filled with vigor, faith and determination,” Sema.