Davao City Leads In Mindanao Friendship Games, Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews / 29 Octobe

Davao City leads in Mindanao Friendship Games
Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews / 29 October 2002

CAGAYAN DE ORO -- Powerhouse Davao City trounced defending champion Cagayan de Oro to grab the lead in the 2nd Mindanao Friendship Games with a total medal haul of seven golds and five silvers.

Host team Cagayan de Oro had to settle for third after athletes from nearby Iligan reaped an impressive seven golds, two silvers and six days after three days of competition.

Cagayan de Oro garnered five golds, four silvers and two bronze medals.

Team Cagayan de Oro, champion in the First Mindanao Friendship Games, grabbed the lead early Monday with two golds and two silvers courtesy of its arnis women team.

"They are better prepared. Davao City was able to put up a strong performance," said Councilor Jose Benjamin Benaldo, head of the Cagayan de Oro Sports delegation.

Benaldo was "99.99 percent" sure that Cagayan de Oro would retain the championship this year before Davao athletes began dominating the athletics and swimming events this morning.

Cagayan de Oro was also surprised when Iligan teener Monique Bacolod dominated the 100 and 200 meter backstroke in swimming.

Trailing behind Cagayan de Oro is host province of Misamis Oriental with a total medal haul of two golds, seven silvers and three bronzes for the fourth spot.

Zamboanga City came in fifth with two golds, two silvers and five bronzes.

The games will end tomorrow.

Philippine Sports Commissioner William "Butch" Ramirez said the 3rd Mindanao Friendship Games will be held next year in Mati, Davao Oriental.

http://www.mindanews.com/2002/11/1st/spt29games.html

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