The 25th iteration of the city’s summer sports program will have its official opening kickoff today, Saturday, July 2 at the City Coliseum.

Dubbed as the Basic Sports Camp “Learn to Play a Sports Program”, the activity will welcome back some 1,400 young athletes who have signed up for the offered individual and dual sport disciplines of Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Chess, Dancesports, Gymnastics, Karatedo, Pencak Silat, Sepaktakraw, Swimming, Table tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Weightlifting, Wushu, and E-One 7.

Mayor John Dalipe is expected to grace the opening ceremonies of the program.

The summer sports program returns after two years, having been temporarily suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participation for this year was limited to 1,400 to maintain classes at a 1:10 ratio under the supervision of the City Sports Office and 140 trainers.

Furthermore, only children with COVID-19 vaccinations were allowed to join.

The Learn to Play a Sports Program is a month-long activity facilitated by the city government for youth development through sports. A number of athletes mentored under the Learn to Play have gone on to win medals and accolades in national and international sports competitions. (Jasmine Mohammadsali (photos were taken pre-covid)