The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), led by Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado, officially opened BOHOLympics 2026 on June 3 at the Bohol Cultural Center.
Carrying the theme “Unlocking Potentials, Forging Unity,” the event gathered 2,482 athletes from 43 municipalities in a continuing effort to strengthen grassroots sports development and youth empowerment across the province
This year’s event features 19 sporting events, namely gymnastics, arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, chess, cycling, dancesport, football, futsal, karatedo, lawn tennis, sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, and weightlifting.
Governor Aumentado formally declared the games open and expressed his keynote message of inspiration.
“Isip suporta sa mga kabatan-onan, naa mi diri naghatag karon og kadasig ug development ninyo labi na nga inyong mga huna-huna dili pa matinal sa mga butang nga makahatag og kalibog,” the governor emphasized in his message.
Vice Governor Pacifico Nicanor “Nick” Besas Jr., Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President Lawrence Xavier Ancla, and Philippine Councilors’ League-Bohol Chapter President Joahna Cabalit Initay also gave their messages of support.
Batang Pinoy 2025 Boxing Gold Medalist Kadjie Aninao led the ceremonial lighting of the torch, while 2025 Batang Pinoy Arnis Gold Medalist Jayshel Bea Sarabia administered the Oath of Sportsmanship.
The program was spearheaded by the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) under the leadership of Metodio “Kuya John” Maraguinot Jr., who also warmly welcomed delegates in an opening message.
Tom Vergara led the singing of triple hymns and invocation, with cultural performances by the Winarts Dance Company.
Additionally, the event was supported by the PGBh, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, local government units, barangays, Department of Education-Bohol, and stakeholder partners.
The Boholympics serves as a platform for identifying and developing future athletes capable of representing Bohol, the country’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/JSS)
