By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

After capturing a total 327 medals, along with 40 from the para games and seven in demo sports, Bacolod City was named overall champions of the 2017 Paralong NIR, which just concluded in Dumaguete City.
“The City of Smiles” won 87 gold, 61 silver, and 43 bronze medals in the secondary division; while earning 69 gold, 33 silver, and 34 bronze medals in the elementary division.
“This is a powerhouse team of Bacolod City and NOPSSCEA,” said Bacolod City Athletic Manager Mark Molina. “With our performance in Palarong NIR, this has validated the initiative of combining both forces to take supremacy in sports in the region.”
Meanwhile, Bacolod City Councilor Caesar Distrito said, “Their honor will be an honor of every Bacolodnon.”
“Our athletes made history as the first ever champion of the Palarong NIR,” he added. “They have made our people and city proud.”
Following Bacolod City in the medal tally was the Negros Occidental selection with a distant 229 medals./WDJ