Bachmann cites ROTC Games’ successful run

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann expressed gratitude to the success of the four qualifying legs as the organizing committee is now preparing  for the staging of the National Finals on Oct. 22-27 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex along Vito Cruz in Malate, Manila.

“As we have reached the last leg of regional qualifiers and brace up to the national finals on October 22 to 27, I firmly believe that these victorious regional legs were a great testament to both Senator Tolentino and the PSC’s dedication to fortify discipline among our young talents,” said Bachmann during the closing ceremonies yesterday of the National Capital Region (NCR) leg  at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The ROTC Games, which was aimed to bolster the camaraderie and discipline of the cadets throughout the country, started in the Visayas qualifying leg on August 13 to 19 in Iloilo City followed by the Mindanao leg on August 27 to Sept. 2 in Zamboanga City and the Luzon leg on Sept. 13 to 23 in Tagaytay City.

“These games are not merely competitions,  they are a reflection of the dedication, determination and teamwork that our ROTC cadets demonstrate day in and day out. To our cadet-athletes, may this tournament mold you in exemplifying the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork – the qualities you can embody both in sports and military service,” added Bachmann.

For his part, Sen. Francis Tolentino, the prime mover of the ROTC Games, admitted that they have encountered several difficulties including logistical problems in the nationwide competition  participated in by cadets from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force all over the country.

“Kahit dumaan din tayo sa ilang problema pati na sa logistics, pero malalampasan natin lahat ng ito. Dadalhin natin ang mga winners mula sa Visayas at Mindanao dito sa Maynila para ipakita natin sa buong bansa na buhay na buhay ang ROTC,” Tolentino stressed.

As expected, the Army cadet-athletes brought home a total of 20 golds, 20 silvers and 16 bronzes because they submitted many entries, while the Air Force settled with 15-15-11 gold-silver-bronze haul and the Navymen came up with 14 golds, 14 silvers and