BACOLOD CITY – This highly urbanized city’s top 13-under and 17-under athletes will compete in 18 sports disciplines in the 2025 Palarong Panlungsod beginning February.

In a statement, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said Monday that fostering sports for young athletes remains a top priority of his administration.

“I invite everyone to celebrate the skills and sportsmanship of young Bacolodnon athletes. Let’s come together and show support as we build a stronger, healthier Bacolod through sports –from grassroots to the world,” he added.

The games, which was launched at the Bacolod City Government Center on Jan. 25, will run from Feb. 8 to 23.

Events will include archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball 3x3, basketball 5x5, beach volleyball, billiards, chess, cycling, football, futsal, karatedo, sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and volleyball.

The athletes are divided into 10 clusters across all the 61 barangays of the city.

Cluster 1 is composed of the 18 smallest barangays, while Cluster 2 has 12.

Cluster 4 comprises nine barangays; Cluster 6, six; Clusters 3, 7, 8 and 9, three each; and Clusters 5 and 10, two each.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education Negros Occidental Schools Division will hold the 2025 Provincial Athletic Association Meet at the Panaad Park and Stadium in this city on Jan. 29 to Feb. 1.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said in an interview on Monday that various public schools in Bacolod City will serve as the billeting sites while the sports competitions will be held at the Panaad Stadium and private playing venues.

This year’s theme is “Abanse: Achieving Beyond All, Nurturing Strength through Excellence.” (PNA)