Not even the continuous drizzle of the rain has stopped the young athletes to meet the spectators from all over Region XI as the Davao Regional Athletics Association (DAVRAA) Meet kicked off today in Mati Sports Complex, Mati City, Davao Oriental.

Anxious parents wore nervous smiles but their children braved the bad weather in Mati City as they displayed their enthusiasm even during assembly for the parade in the ongoing construction of the Mati Baywalk.

With pride as the strongest athletes in their division, they greeted the crowd with oozing energy. Each of the nine delegations rendered a short presentation as they were introduced to the audience in Mati Sports Complex.

The good Mayor Michelle N. Rabat, who is a self-confessed volleyball enthusiast gave a warm welcome the delegates and visitors coming from this region. She was supported by no less than Hon, Corazon Malanyaon, Governor of Mati Davao Oriental, the vice mayor Hon. Cesar Erio and other city and governatorial officials.

Earlier during the DAVRAA Opening Media Presscon which was attended by the Davao City and Mati Press, Mayor Rabat stated that everything was ready for this very important sports event even if Mati is considered to be the youngest city in the region as it was just legislated to become as city just last year.

The opening was considered to be the most celebrated activity of the Department of Education as popular political figures met in Mati City. To name a few Davao del Sur Governor Cagas, Tagum Mayor Rey Uy, the beautiful former First Lady of Mati and mother of the Mayor, Hon. Editha Rabat and DepEd officials headed by Region XI Director Dr. Susana Teresa Estigoy.

DAVRAA is a week-long activity ( Feb. 10-15) that searches for the athletes who will represent Region XI in the Palarong Pambansa to be held sometime in April in Palawan.

It is participated by Panabo City delegation, the Banana Magnate with 138 athletes and 18 coaches; Davao Del Norte’s The Pioneers with 199 athletes and 95 coaches and officials; Digos City with 130 athletes and 30 coaches; Davao del Sur’s The Cobras with 428 athletes, coaches and officials; IGACOS’ The Pearls; Tagum City’s the Premier with 136 athletes and 26 coaches; Davao Oriental’s The Sunrisers with 315 coaches and athletes; COMVAL’s The Gold with 510 athletes, coaches and officials and the biggest delegation Davao City Durians with 600 athletes, coaches and officials.