All Set For Sulu Athletes

Abdusakur Tan

MAGUINDANAO – Sulu’s delegation to the 2007 Palaro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association (ARMMAA) praised former governor Abdusakur Tan for his huge contribution to the promotion of sports development in the province.

Tan has donated P200,000 each for Sulu’s 1st and 2nd Districts’ delegations to the sports competition to be held in Maguindanao’s Shariff Aguak town from March 24-29.

Delfin Unga, Sulu’s Schools Division Superintendent, has sought Tan’s help last week to help augment expenses for 450 athletes that will join the 2007 Palaro ARMMAA. "Now comes another higher level of athletic competition...This time we come knocking at your door once again in the light of soliciting your good self for a financial assistance to augment our 450-man delegation to the 2007 ARMMAA."

“Indeed your assistance will be of great help not only to our school constituents, but to the general public that we serve. We count on you in alleviating our financial constraints as we prepare our athletes onward to 2007 ARMMAA Meet. Thank you for the past and present favors,” Unga said in his letter to the former governor.

This year’s Palaro ARMMAA is the 16th since it was introduced by the Department of Education to promote sports and camaraderie among students.

Tan could not be reached for an interview, but one of his aides said Tan has been very supportive of the development of sports in Sulu and was the architect in the construction of a multi-million sports complex in the province during his time.

“What I know is that (ex) Gov. Sakur Tan has been very supportive of sports development in Sulu and even in his private capacity; he continues to help promote athletics among our students and citizens. Gov. Tan is himself a sportsman,” said Engineer Abdurasad Baih.

Maguindanao province emerged as the overall champion in the 2006 Palaro ARMMAA and followed by Sulu. Basilan province ranked third in the sports competition held in Maguindanao’s Buluan town. More than 4,000 athletes joined the competition.

Among the sports events included in the ARMMAA are basketball, volleyball, baseball, athletics and Sepak takraw. (With a report from Mark Navales)