Mayor John Dalipe Monday morning leads the opening of the 26th Summer Learn to Play a Sports program at the City Coliseum in Tetuan, as he expressed hopes that another Olympic medal will be achieved for the country in the future through the basic sports summer camp.
Some 4,000 children aged 7 to 15 have enrolled in the free month-long program that includes 24 sporting events.
Mayor Dalipe said the month-long program, designed to nurture young talents aged 7 to 15, is “an initiative that has proven to be a breeding ground for exceptional athletes who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in regional, national and even international competitions.”
The mayor told the participants that their involvement in the program sets them a similar path tread by Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, who are both products of the city’s Summer Learn to Play a Sports program.
“We believe that with determination and perseverance, you too can make a significant impact on the sporting world,” Mayor Dalipe asserted.
He emphasized that the skills participants would develop through participation in sports will help them succeed not only as athletes but also as responsible, productive members of society.
“The future of Philippine sports lies in the hands of talented individuals like you. And we are confident that you will carry on the legacy of excellence set by the remarkable athletes who emerge from this program before you,” the mayor added.
The sports clinic is organized by the city government through the City Sports Division and covers archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball/softball, basketball, boxing, chess, dancesport, football/futsal, gymnastics, judo, karatedo, muay thai, pencak silat, and sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and wushu which will be played in various venues.
Registration is still ongoing through the respective trainers of each sport.
Also present during the opening program were Councilors Vino Guingona, VP Elago and Fred Atilano, CHED Regional Director Dr. Rody Garcia, CHED Sports Project Director Ann Dulce Yango, PRISAA Executive Director Elbert “Bong” Atilano, City Sports Division Chief Dr. Cecil Atilano, and numerous others. (Ma. Bernadeth Lozano-CMO-PIO)