Davao kids get headstart in sports

DAVAO CITY—The Philippine Sports Commission’s Children’s Games culminated at far-flung Toril district here but for several communities which participated, it is just the start of their sports programs at the grassroots level.

Achieving its purpose of getting more kids into sports at the barangay level has earned the PSC a citation from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).

On Sunday, the Children’s Games Sports for Peace again inspired 350 children from various religions in the Davao suburbs with Barangay Panalum in Paquibato District, a three-hour drive from downtown Davao, particularly upbeat to replicate the Games at least on a monthly basis.

PSC Chair Butch Ramirez said encouraging communities to put up their own Children’s Games would accomplish the mission of making the event a tool for peace among the Muslim, Christian and Lumad kids as well as other indigenous people in Mindanao.

“There are no protests and fights, only fun and friendly competition,” Ramirez said.

Similar programs will be launched in Cotabato, Zamboanga and Lanao del Norte for the Bangsamoro people.