Bannering the city’s campaign to hone the athletic skills, and promote camaraderie and sportsmanship among the Valenzuelano youth, the City Government of Valenzuela, led by Mayor WES Gatchalian, officially opens the Valenzuela Olympics 2024 at the Wellness, Entertainment, and Sports Arena, Brgy. Punturin, June 23, 2024.

Gilas Pilipinas Guard, Rhenz Abando, and MPBL Iloilo United Royals Guard and homegrown athlete, CJ Cansino, led the ceremonial lighting of the cauldron, marking the official kick-off of the sports competition between the thirty three (33) barangays. They’ve also shared some inspirational and encouraging messages with the participants, coming from their exceptional experiences in the world of professional sports.

Launched in 2022, the Valenzuela Olympics rolled down some familiar sports categories, namely, basketball, volleyball, billiards, table tennis, darts, chess, badminton, lawn tennis, and obstacle sports. 

Ilabas ang galing ng inyong barangay! This year’s Valenzuela Olympics will once again lay out its platform to find out who among the participating barangays will stand out and bring home the coveted crown. In this regard, the Sangguniang Kabataan in every barangay across the city sent their top picks, who will have their might tested, wrestle against their competitors, and persevere to the pinnacle of victory.

In his short remarks during the opening ceremony, Mayor WES reminded everyone to always impose discipline and keep the camaraderie alive. He said, “Dream, Believe, Achieve, ‘yan po ang tatlong salita na makikita ninyo sa inyong pagpasok sa WES Arena – at ‘yan po, mga kasama, ang naging motibasyon natin [upang] buuin ang WES Arena. Ang WES Arena ay ang tahanan ng mga atletang Valenzuelano. Dito nabubuo ang mga pangarap, dito nakakamit ang mga pangarap. Kaya po ngayong 2024, I wish all the best sa mga team na kalahok. Umpisahan natin nang maayos, tapusin natin nang maayos, at ipakita natin ang disiplina ng mga Valenzuelano.” [Dream, Believe, Achieve, these are the three words you will see when you enter the WES Arena—and that, friends, is our motivation in building the WES Arena. The WES Arena is the home of Valenzuela athletes. This is where dreams are made, and this is where dreams are achieved. So in 2024, I wish all the best to the participating teams. Let's start well, let's finish well, and let's show the discipline of the Valenzuelanos]

Also joining the momentous event were Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, City Councilors Ghogho Deato Lee, Atty. Bimbo Dela Cruz, Ramon Encarnacion, Gerald Galang, Ricar Enriquez, Mickey Pineda, and Niña Lopez, Sports Development Office Head Gerry Esplana, and SK Federation President Councilor Jai Esplana. 

##