THE new and improved Sports Development Division-City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO)-backed Summerfest 2017 will focus on underprivileged children endorsed by the City Social Services Development Office (CSSDO).
SDD-CMO office-in-charge Mikey Aportadera, who is also officer-in-charge of the City Anti-Drug Council (Cadac), in Thursday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at The Annex of SM City Davao, said the five-day sportsfest will kick-off on May 24 at the Crocodile Park Grounds. It aims to provide an avenue for participants ages 10 to 16 years old from different walks of life including children in conflict with the law (CICL), out-of-school youth and children of Davao City's drug reformists as instructed by Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio.
"This year's edition is all about the kids. Gibuhat ni nga ing-ani para ma experience sa mga bata nga underprivileged ang mga sports nga makit-an lang nila sa TV (The children will get to experience what they only see on TV)," Aportadera said, adding that the mayor and her children will grace the opening day on May 24.
The first two days will feature clinics in different outdoor sports like frisbee, wall climbing, obstacle race, criterium cycling, football, and rugby football.
Some 450 participants are also scheduled for a mountaineering seminar during the first two days.
A mini-tournament for the children then will follow to assess their skills.
SDD-CMO will shoulder snacks and lunch of participants who will also get a wildlife experience treat at the Crocodile Park courtesy of its owner Sonny Dizon.
The elite competition will start on May 26, featuring criterium cycling, wall climbing, obstacle race, football, rugby football and aerobics marathon.
Aportadera, however, said the elite competition will also serve as an encouragement for the children.
Cash prizes, trophies and medals are also at stake.
Schedule of events:
Clinics in frisbee, wall climbing, obstacle race, football and rugby football as well as the mountaineering seminar is set from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 24 and 25.
Schedule for the elite competition: rugby football - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 26; wall climbing - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 27; obstacle race - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 27; aerobic marathon - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 27; and football - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 27 and 28.