Teen athletes told: Look beyond medals, embrace unity

TAGUM CITY—More than the gold medals at stake, the Mindanao leg of the 2019 Batang Pinoy Games is designed as an instrument for peace.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair Butch Ramirez emphasized on Sunday the importance of sports among children of different cultures and religions to achieve lasting peace in the strife-beleaguered regions of Mindanao.

“These children are the future leaders of our country,” said Ramirez. “The Batang Pinoy is not just about winning medals, it’s about how our children can embrace unity and peace.”

Over 3,000 athletes under 15 years old from 90 local government units in the region marched during the opening ceremony at Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex here graced by Gov. Anthony Del Rosario.

Children athletes from as far as Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga will see action in the eight-day, 20-event sportsfest where the medalists will advance to the 2020 national championships either in Ormoc City or Tagbilaran City.

“The central point of these games is for children to play together regardless of religion, culture, beliefs and differences,” said Ramirez, whose marching order from President Duterte is to make sports accessible even in far-flung areas.

PSC commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Celia Kiram, Arnold Agustin and Charles Maxey, along with PSC deputy executive director Guillermo Iroy and Philippine Sports Institute national training director Marc Edward Velasco, also graced the opening rites.

A total of 18 sports, including medal-rich archery, karatedo, taekwondo and pencak silat, will kick off the competitions Monday.