Philippines Biathle Competition puts smile back on faces

Following a week of clean-up and hardship from the tragedy of Typhoon Hainan, locally in the Philippines known as Typhoon Yolanda, the Negros Biathle Competition was held this weekend. The event was moved from Cadiz City on the northern tip of Negros Island, which suffered major damage from the super typhoon, to Canonoy Beach Resort further south and further away from the path which the eye of the storm took. All who took part thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were left with a big smile on their faces.

The event was sponsored by the Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida, USA Bid Committee for the UIPM Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final 2014 and World Cup 2015. Sarasota-Bradenton provided transportation for many of the participants as well as a barbeque picnic for the athletes and their families and has assisted in relief efforts from the natural disaster. Through the kind efforts of Sarasota-Bradenton, the local community was able to enjoy a Modern Pentathlon day of sports and recreation.

Immediately following the disaster, UIPM and USA Pentathlon joined forces to contribute food and medical supplies to victims of the typhoon in the Philippines in the region where the biathle event was scheduled to be held.

The Negros biathle competition included competitors from age 7 to 64 years old with the idea for everyone to take part and simply have fun and escape the tragedy of the storm. It was held at the beautiful Canonoy Beach Resort in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental province.

The day included two biathle competition plus running races and beach football. Medals were given for each of the events. The outstanding male athlete was 13 year old Ronel Segovia (Youth C) who won both biathle competitions in his age group and was the over-all winner of all competitors. Ronel is an accomplished long distance runner and swimmer and his name will be forwarded to the Philippine Modern Pentathlon Federation. The outstanding female was Juvy Mae (Youth C) who won 1 of the 2 biathles and then won a running race to claim the ladies trophy.

The competition, along with the food and medical aid was a great relief to the children and people of Balabag.