After 20 years, the Philippines clinched the championship in the field of softball, triumphing over the team from East Region USA in the finals with a score of 3-0. The last time the country secured the championship in the junior softball league was in 2003 when Bacolod, the country’s representative, defeated Puerto Rico with a score of 2-0.
Bago City is one of the Cities in Negros known for sports even in the past. Among its notable figures are the famous Velasco brothers, Ky Roel and Onyok Velasco, who made a name for themselves in the boxing arena and became Olympians. During the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, two boxers from Bago City, Rogen Ladon and James Palicte, also clinched the gold medals. The support of the Bago City Government for its athletes in the realm of sports has been constant, and they provide complete and well-maintained sports facilities for the athletes.
According to an interview, the key to success, as emphasized, lies in training. This was the foundation that led the softball team to victory and the championship, even in the face of the pandemic. Their coach’s dedication, along with the athletes’ cooperation, played a crucial role.
In a gathering honoring the athletes, initiated by the Bago City Government and called “The Homecoming Program,” a Community Center event took place on Friday, August 18, 2023. Each athlete showcased their dance moves, expressing their happiness and enthusiasm through the “Go Bago… Go Bago…” dance. They also referred to it as the “Bago City Junior League Softball Girls Dance Moves.” It is evident that many take pride in these athletes, and hopefully, there will be more opportunities for our teams to win in various sports.