Running with confidence and enthusiasm, Jie Ann Calis of Misamis Occidental Division left Western Visayas with estimated 12 meter-distance to finish the 800 meter run finals, in the afternoon of May 6, 2015.

Jie Ann defeated other athletes and broke the record in same event in the 1,500 m and 3,000 m running distance.

The Grade 9 athlete from Looc Plaridel, Misamis Occidental occupied lane 3 in the starting point of the 800 m and joined all the runners in group. However, when the athlete of Western Visayas changed speed to lead, Jie Ann used her technique, pouring her energy and left the leading athlete from WVAA. The crowd yelled and cheered over the victory of NMRAA.

After the race, Jie Ann was flocked with press for interview of her victory. On Saturday at 6:15 in the morning, she was featured at the ABS-CBN in Maayong Buntag Sabado together with other Palaro champions. She also occupied the headlines of DavNorth Palaro publication, May 9, 2015.

The victory made by the young athlete placed NMRAA on the map of excellence in athletics. A red carpet welcome was prepared by Misamis Occidental Division for Jie Ann,  and for other champions of that Division, meeting them with a Drum Corps at Ozamis City port and a breakfast treat at the Division Office.

Misamis Occidental romped off with 5 gold medals in athletics. Other than Jie Ann, Junalyn Tagaloguin made it in 1500 M Run elementary and Efrelyn Democer in Javelin Throw secondary.

Cagayan de Oro City Division grabbed 8 in all from Chess – Blitz Team and Standard Team with Lorebina Carrasco and Me Ann Baclayon of Misamis Oriental;  Leanne Kho and Shaira Bonita in Arnis  E/G Anyo Duo-Solo Baston; Mohammad Macatoon in Taekwondo E/B – Kyorugi (over 152-160 cm); January Faith Gallego in Taekwondo E/G – Kyorugi (120-128 cm); Mikaela Salonga in Taekwondo E/G – Kyorugi (over 136-144 cm); Maxine Rene Olango and Nevie Jane Natan in Badminton E/G Individual Doubles; and Kyle Georges Arsenal in Taekwondo – Bantamweight.

Misamis Oriental Division starred Me Ann Baclayon in Chess Blitz Individual and Team and Chess E/G Standard Individual and Team. Lanao del Norte shone in Arnis with Vanessa Loren Murro, Jamaica Natangcop and Marie Camansi in Arnis S/G Team (Synch) Solo Baston, Anyo Team Doble Baston.

Iligan City and Bukidnon got 1 each with Joenric Enricoso and Joaquin Dave Echavez in Arnis S/B Anyo Team Doble Baston ; and Prince Mohammed Pendatun in Taekwondo E/B Kyorugi (160-168 cm), respectively.

With the medal standing acquired by NMRAA this year, it was able to sweep Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVRAA) in the slot that region occupied in the previous national meet. CVRAA had a total of 18 gold medals this year. #