Ten schools from three districts of Davao City vie for top honors as the Philippine Sports Commission Kadayawan Girls Volleyball opened yesterday (Friday) at the University of Mindanao-Davao.
During the opening ceremony, PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez enjoined participants to enjoy sports but always keep schooling their top priority
“This project underscores the PSC’s thrust to involve children in sports. Like the Children’s Games that we hold in different areas around the country, this also targets girls up to 12 years old and exposes them to structured competition” Ramirez said.
The event is presented by the PSC through the Office of Commissioner Charles Maxey, in coordination with the Sports Development Division-City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO) and the Department of Education (Deped)-Davao.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, represented by Pocholo Elegino, SDD-CMO Program Director, welcomed all delegations and officials of the PSC while citing that the activity “showcases the Dabawenyo integrity and sportsmanship, promotes development in the physique and moral values of the athletes, and also creates opportunities for equal participation among sectors.”
Duterte encourages players to take the chance to show off their skills. “Grab this opportunity to pursue your dreams. You are all welcome to embrace the skill you have, and rest assured the City Government of Davao and the PSC are with you towards attaining your athletic dreams.”
Maxey explained that the Deped was very receptive of the project when they were presented of the concept. “They were happy for the girls to have a venue to display their volleyball skills. This was a project suggested by Chairman Ramirez during one of our board meetings. I am happy to organize it for the agency.” The commissioner confirmed that there will be a succeeding edition, saying “this is not a one-shot deal. We plan to make this a regular activity.”
Albert Ryan Lim, Philippine Sports Institute coordinator of Mindanao, was all too happy to hear Maxey’s plan. According to Lim, there is very limited exposure for girls in volleyball. “The Deped has a stonger program for boys in this sport. This project balances it out in effect.”
Maxey said that the next edition will be held before year-end.