A total of 430 youngsters celebrated their childhood in a day of fun and games in Padada, Davao del Sur on May 30 and in Catalunan Grande, Davao City on June 1.
Rainshowers did not dampen the excitement of the 130 kids who were led by their 13 Ate and Kuya volunteers in the Sports for Peace Children’s Games in Padada.
Barangay Captain Vimar Embudo thanked the Philippine Sports Commission for giving the children aged eight to 11 years old a day to have fun at the same time be conscious of taking good care of their environment as a mangrove planting and coastal clean-up was incorporated in the event.
“Katungod sa mga bata na magdula (It’s the right of the children to play),” Embudo said.
PSC Mindanao cluster head Ed Fernandez said that letting the children play with each other develop confidence greater than those who do not. “They make friends and learn values of respect and understanding early in life,” he said.
PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, who also had a fun childhood in Padada, missed the activity as he joined the PSC team building program in Bataan. But through Fernandez, the PSC chief extended his gratitude to the local government officials, partners and stakeholders who made the Games possible.
Water transfer, sack race and kadang-kadang were among the games played by Christian and Muslim children in the event held in partnership with Batch 1980 of St. Michael School of Padada.
Meanwhile, some 300 joined the Children’s Games basketball clinic at Dennis A. Uy SFX Remase Gym in Catalunan Grande that was handled by PSC Mindanao staff.
Fr. Joel Caasi, parish priest of San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish of Talomo requested for a basketball clinic prior to the June 3 opening of classes.
PSC coordinator Cholo Elegino said, “Fr. Caasi expected only 200 participants but about 300 came. The children were happy to learn basics of basketball. They also received free shirts, free snacks and lunch.”
On the other hand, PSC Mindanao held a meeting, June 7, to finalize details of the Sports for Peace Caravan with PSC consulutants Dr. Serge Opena and professor Henry Daut. The caravan will kick off in Cotabato City.