Sagay City in Negros Occidental is looking at a stronger and more sustainable sports development system after winning two PONY International Softball World Series titles this year.
On Tuesday, the northern Negros city held a grand welcome for the Girls 12 Under (12U) and 14 Under (14U) squads, who secured the division championships in the United States on Aug. 3 and July 20 (PH time), respectively.
In his message, Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said these triumphs are significant not only because of the trophies, but because they show young Sagaynons what sustained training, discipline, and support can achieve.
“This is history for Sagay and for your generation. These two championship teams are examples that here in Sagay, we can do more. We do not settle for mediocrity,” he added.
In 2024, the Negros Occidental team, composed mostly of players from Sagay City, won the 16U world title.
Last year, Sagay City placed third in the 16U and fourth in the 14U tournaments.
Cueva stressed that the two championships should serve as another step toward building a stronger and more sustainable sports development system in Sagay City.
“This is a symbol of our aspirations for Sagay. We see these athletes practicing day in and day out, taking their training seriously. Together, we will continue building a better sports program for Sagay,” he said.
Cueva noted that the establishment of the Special Class for Sports at Sagay National High School allows student-athletes to receive more focused training while continuing their education.
Department of Education OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Dannie Clark Uguil said that in winning the two championships, the Sagaynon softbelles at times had to play four to five games in a day while dealing with the summer heat in Texas and California.
“We witnessed how you played hard just to bring home these world championships. It was not easy, but because of the training you underwent, your discipline, and your determination, you were able to make it,” he added.
The 14U team from Sagay City National High School played at the PONY International Softball World Series in McAllen, Texas, while the 12U team, who are learners of Jose B. Puey Sr. Elementary School and Sagay National High School, saw action at the PONY West Zone Girls Softball World Series in Hemet, California.
The Most Valuable Player honors went to Arabella Jito in the 14U division, after logging 48 strikeouts in more than 15 games, and 12U’s Mary Cris Blanco, who recorded 39 strikeouts.
“This trophy isn’t just ours; it belongs to everyone who believed in us,” Jito said, adding that the PONY 14U championship is a dream come true after years of hard work and sacrifices.
“No dream is too big for young dreamers,” Blanco said as she thanked the coaches, trainers, parents, city officials, and supporters of their journey to the international title. (PNA)
