Around 80 various grassroots sports programs in the Visayas, spearheaded by the Philippine Sports Commission under the Philippine Sports Institute, are rescheduled midyear in the wake of the sports agency’s announcement of the postponement of all its managed events in light of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez said they are targeting the resumption of their programs by July.
”We are playing it by ear with the recent situation in the country. But definitely, the PSC is ready to proceed,” said Fernandez.
Thirty editions of the UNESCO-recognized Children’s Games are scheduled in cities and municipalities of western, central and eastern Visayas, with seven editions of Consultative Planning and Coaching Certification along Negros Occidental, Cebu, and Southern Leyte.
Young athletes from Aklan, Bohol and Samar will also receive Talent Identification programs, with a Sports Journalism Seminar to be provided for campus sports writers.
“We want to capitalize in bringing sports to the youth sector of the regions and raise awareness among children and parents of sports,” added Fernandez.
One of the lined-up events is the Coastal Children’s Games in Limasawa, which will coincide with the island’s celebration of the 499th anniversary of the first mass.
Fernandez explained that the local government, under Mayor Melchor Petracorta, is now coordinating with the Department of Health and other pertinent government agencies on whether they may proceed with the celebration.
“Despite our current situation, preparations for these programs are on-going,” said Fernandez.