Davao Oriental—The three-day Children’s Games in Municipality of Lupon and Mati City in this province wrapped up Saturday afternoon at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy (Ihma) in Mati City, yet, participants and he public still want more.
In a rapid assessment by a total of 60 Ate and Kuya volunteers and 601 children participants from the Lupon and Mati City legs, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) consultant on national grassroots sports development Doctor Serge Opena said, “Most participants recommended to hold regular Children’s Games as they appreciated the experience of playing with each other and meeting new friends from different parishes and churches.”
He also noted that Ate and Kuya volunteers’ rating on the program is between three to four, which is between very good and excellent. The same average rating given by the children.
A volunteer, wrote on the assessment form, “Ungta mas daghan pang mga bata ang maka-experience sa mga padula us masinati nila ang mga dula nga halos malimtan na sa mga bata karon (I hope more children get to experience playing the games that are almost forgotten by the younger generation).”
Games played were sack race, patintero, tug of peace, Maria went to town, halo-halo relay, ball to cheek relay, ball over-under relay, patintero and hula hoop relay, among others.
Rhea Cuyno, seven years old, of Barangay Sainz in Mati City, said she enjoyed the games and seeing a lot of children playing together.
“Nalingaw ko sa mga dula. Mas ganahan ko atong bola itaas naug (I had fun with the games especially the ball over-under relay),” said Cuyno who belongs to San Nicolas de Filipino Cathedral Parish.
The two-leg Children’s Games here was held in cooperation with the Diocese of Mati and St. Vincent Ferrer Parish of Lupon; San Isidro Labrador, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, San Isidro Labrador, Batobato, Davao Oriental, St. Francis Xavier, Ligabog, Davao Oriental and St. Francis Xavier, Luzon, Davao Oriental.
The kids also had a grand time with Jollibee mascots and showcasing their dancing and singing talents.
The next stop of the regional series of Children’s Games for churches and parishes will be in Digos City set October 29 and 30. The first day will be the volunteers training while the second day will be the games.
PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez will grace the Digos City leg.