Cadiz City’s pride, 11-year-old para-athlete Zach Lucas Obsioma, once again proved his dominance in the pool by securing three gold medals at the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet 2025.
Competing in the orthopedically handicapped (OH) category, Obsioma triumphed in the 50-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke, and 50-meter breaststroke events, making him the only Cadizeño para-athlete to achieve this remarkable feat.
The competition was held March 1-8 at the Binirayan Sports Complex in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.
Obsioma’s victory continues his winning streak, having also clinched three golds at the WVRAA meets in 2024 and 2023.
He likewise brought home two golds and one silver medal in the 64th Palarong Pambansa, held in Cebu City, July 9-16, 2024.
His consistent excellence in swimming has made him a symbol of perseverance and strength, inspiring many young athletes in Cadiz and beyond.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. hailed Obsioma as a “modern sports hero”, who continues to defy the odds and other challenges as a person with disability (PWD).
“He (Zach) is resilient, brave, and determined, thus worthy of emulation,” Escalante stressed in a statement.
In addition to Obsioma’s success, Cadiz’s badminton team also made an impressive showing, securing multiple medals across various categories.
In secondary boys, Lovic Javier won the gold and Cris Ivan Dosano the silver in the singles category, while AJ Laurence Jurada and Reynier Dalimo-os bagged the gold medal in doubles.
In secondary girls, Alexis Repetillo took home the gold in singles, while Valerie Marcial and Marionet De Dios earned the gold medal in doubles.
Other gold medalists are AJ Laurence Jurada and Blessy Faith Engle in secondary mixed doubles; Ryan John Broniola (singles), and Theo Jude Depositario and Joshua Layao (doubles), elementary boys; Blessy May Villaflor and Ydrianna Balista (doubles) in the elementary girls; and Ryan John Broniola and Blessy May Villaflor, elementary mixed doubles.
Javier expressed his deep gratitude to his coaches, parents, and above all, his faith in God, for guiding him to victory. “Isa lang gid pinakaimportante sa tanan, salig lang sa Ginoo kag salamat sa akon coaches kag parents.”
Assistant coach Jordan Sun also thanked all those who supported the Cadiz delegation, including Mayor Escalante, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Schools Division Superintendent Arlene Bermejo, coach Ernesto Layao Jr. of the Cadiz Jaguar Badminton Academy, DepEd coaches, school principals, and the dedicated athletes.
“This win is a testament to our collective effort. We all played a part in making this happen. I am incredibly proud of everyone! To God be the glory!” Sun said.
The outstanding performance of the Cadiz athletes reflects the city’s unwavering commitment to sports excellence, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness, on and off the field. ||
