Bathon’s pride, Gerald P. Aldea, made history in the Catanduanes Provincial Games as he emerged as the first-ever Catandunganon gold medalist in the walkathon athletic event.
The 15-year-old student from Bato Rural Development High School secured the top spot in the 2,000-meter walk, defeating his competitor from Virac.
Despite being a newcomer and not yet fully familiar with the game, it did not hinder him from studying and clinching the first gold medal in the inaugural walkathon athletic event in the history of the provincial meet.
According to his coaches, Abel Sorilla and Dante Ibardaloza, discipline and determination were key factors in Aldea’s victory.
“Even though we don’t have coaches, he diligently undergoes training. He never cheats on the schedule and really focuses on practice,” said assistant coach Dante Ibardaloza.
Coach Abel Sorilla added that despite their limited preparation after the municipal meet, Aldea did not stop practicing.
“He tried it on the oval, initially struggling to complete one lap, but he requested drills and really persevered,” Sorilla further commented.
Walkathon is one of the athletic events in both the Bicol Regional Athletic Association Meet and the Palarong Pambansa. To complete the 2,000-meter walk, the athlete needs to circle the athletic oval five times.
The football team from the capital town secured victory by claiming the gold medal, defeating their opponent, Bato, with a 2-0 lead in the secondary football category.
Key players in Virac’s triumphant final match included center midfielder Homer Angelo Chavez and center back Alijah Dexter Pena.
The Catanduanes National High School’s Virac team is set to represent Catanduanes in the upcoming Palarong Bicol next year.
| via Bagwis Catnes
# Bicol Peryodiko | Radyo Peryodiko
