THE three-day Summer Children's Games 2017 will yet open on May 25 in separate venues in Davao City but stakeholders have already appreciated the program this early.
Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO) officer-in-charge Mikey Aportadera said, "Dakong kalipay jud nga nianhi ang PSC para aning programa para sa mga bata (We are very glad that the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) has put up a program for the children here). The mayor just wants the kids to be happy."
SDD-CMO, which is also holding its Summerfest 2017 at the Crocodile Park on May 24 to 28, is also a partner of the PSC in staging the Summer Children's Games for 10 to 12 years old.
"Dakong kalipay ug pasalamat (We're happy and thankful) that the PSC thought of Davao City to pilot the program. First time ingon ani ka-massive ang program for sports," Aportadera said during Thursday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at SM City Davao, citing the involvement of the Liga ng mga Barangay headed by its president Davao City Councilor January Duterte and the SDD-CMO, among others, in the Games.
Mildren Untalan, chief-of-staff of Councilor Duterte, said: "We are very happy to be a part of this journey. The barangay captains are thankful and they welcome the program in their barangays. We hope for the success of the Children's Games."
A total of 30 villages have been selected by the Liga ng mga Barangay to take part in the Games that feature 3-on-3 basketball, girls’ volleyball and Larong Pinoy. Organizers expect 900 participants including children in conflict with the law (CICL), out-of-school youth and students.
Some 120 participants from the 30 participating villages in the city will also join the one-day village sports seminar slated May 24 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) Davao City coordinator Mark Paul Samante, for his part, thanked the city government of Davao through the SDD-CMO and the Liga ng mga Barangay for their partnership in making the pilot test of the Children's Games, which is part of the PSC's Sports for Peace program, a brainchild of PSC Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez, possible.
PSI Mindanao coordinator Marlon Malbog is also part of the Games organizing committee.
