I heaved a sigh of relief after learning that the Indigenous Games, a few days ago, were held for a day at the People’s Park.
Kudos to the private sector for initiating the event with the support of the public sector and in particular Congressman Paolo Z. Duterte and his son Rigo.
It was not just “netibo” games that were played but the dance performances, the sounds of the agong and kulintang have made that day special and hopefully that will give non Indigenous Dabawenyos a better understanding and appreciation of our Moro and Lumad brothers and sisters.
No offense to our friends who are leaders in the local National Sports Associations (NSAs), but the Kadayawan Festival’s main feature is the Indigenous Games lagi. What is the Kadayawan Festival for?
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Finally, the big tarpaulin showing the image of women’s football player Sara Bantan Eggesvik is on display at the Tionko football field courtesy of Davao’s football association.
While Henry Sabate, the football president, is enjoying his time in Sydney, Jason Goyonan, the general secretary, was working on it and had it installed for our young Dabawenyo footballers to see.
This will be a constant reminder that for the first time in 116 years, the Philippines has qualified to the FIFA World Cup and there is one player whose roots are in Davao, in particular Barangay Bunawan, who donned the Philippine colors. Mao na si inday Sara. Di ba inspiring?
You see, young Dabawenyos get into sports because of what they see in the family, or read in the papers, hear over the radio, watch on TV and YouTube. They usually get inspired and would start asking their parents to have them involved in sports.
Ngano mag isports man ta?
In my experience, engaging in sports is the best way to stay away from the bad stuff of life.
Children will avoid smoking because they know that it will affect their lungs and their breathing when they engage in physical activities. The youth will avoid getting drunk because they will have a scheduled game early in the morning. Children will eat healthy food because they know that they can be strong and would last longer during games.
Other than that, they will learn the values of sports. That there should be honesty, fairness, and developing friendships, among other things.
With the presence of “Sara” at the Tionko field, I hope that this will create a lasting impact on our young footballers who are regulars every weekend.
Good job President Henry, GenSec Jason and officers of the Davao football association.
May Sara be the next idol of our young players.
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I raise my cup of coffee to Kenneth Sai of the Davao City Track and Field Association for assembling 27 teams, 489 athletes for the 38th Kadayawan track and field event at the University of Mindanao Matina Campus.
The two-day event is so far the biggest in participation in the Kadayawan sportsfest.
Many thanks again to UM president Willie Torres, the EVP of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa), for continually supporting our athletes.
Madayaw!
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For comments, email mpb_sports@yahoo.com.
