The pride of Cadiz City, 11-year-old para-athlete Zach Lucas Obsioma, once again proved his dominance in the pool by securing three gold medals at the 2025 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet, a press release from Cadiz PIO said.
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 the remarkable feat.
The competition was held from March 1 to 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.
Additionally, he brought home two golds and one silver medal in the 64th Palarong Pambansa, held in Cebu City on July 9 to 16, 2024.
His consistent excellence in swimming has made him a symbol of perseverance and strength, inspiring many young athletes in Cadiz and beyond, the press release said.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. hailed Obsioma as a “modern sports hero”, who continues to defy odds, among other challenges as a person with disability (PWD).
He (Zach) is resilient, brave and determined thus worthy of emulation, Escalante added.
Meanwhile, in addition to Obsioma’s success, Cadiz’s badminton team also made an impressive showing, securing multiple medals in the following categories:
Secondary boys: Lovic Javier (singles) – gold; Cris Ivan Dosano (singles) – silver; AJ Laurence Jurada and Reynier Dalimo-os (doubles) – gold. Secondary girls: Alexis Repetillo (singles) – gold; and Valerie Marcial and Marionet De Dios (doubles) – gold. Secondary mixed doubles: AJ Laurence Jurada and Blessy Faith Engle – gold.
Elementary boys: Ryan John Broniola (singles) – gold; Theo Jude Depositario and Joshua Layao (doubles) – gold; Elementary girls: Blessy May Villaflor and Ydrianna Balista (doubles) – gold; Elementary Mixed Doubles: Ryan John Broniola and Blessy May Villaflor – gold.
Gold medalist Lovic Caceres Javier expressed his deep gratitude to his coaches, parents, and above all, his faith in God for guiding him to victory.
Assistant coach Jordan Sun extended his appreciation to all those who supported the Cadiz delegation, including City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr., the City Council, Schools Division Superintendent Arlene Bermejo, CESO V, Coach Ernesto Layao Jr. of Cadiz Jaguar Badminton Academy (JBA), 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 remarked.*
