‘Real gold mine’
OSYs to benefit from Children's Games: Butch
DAVAO CITY - Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez on Monday said that the Davao Children's Games for outof-school youths (OSYs), which will be launched here in April as part of the national sports agency's Mindanao Sports for Peace program, is the real "gold mine".
Ramirez, in a meeting with Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) Davao coordinators at a local restaurant, said the Sports for Peace program that he started sometime in 2008 through the Mindanao Children's Games will be relaunched here and will have stops in Cotabato City, Cagayan de Oro City, Butuan City and Zamboanga Peninsula.
"Mao ning klaro nga gold mine dili ang Olympics. Diri klaro atong gold, mareporma ang mga bata og mainspire nato sila nga mueskwela kay ang mga out-of-school youths mao ni sila ang mga future kidnappers, robbers and criminals. Ang Sports for Peace kay apil sa atong anti-drug education program, atong tabangan ang mga kabatan-onan nga mulikay sa mga bisyo. Pinaagi ani, mahimo nato ang gusto ni President nga di makalimtan ang mga pobre, muabot sa mga komunidad ang tinuod nga grassroots development (This is the real gold mine not the Olympics. The gold is clear by means of reforming the children and inspiring them to go to school and study since these are the future kidnappers, robbers and criminals. The Sports for Peace is part of our antidrugs campaign in helping kids do away with vices like illegal drugs. Through this, we will accomplish what President Rodrigo R. Duterte wanted to remember the poor and bring sports development in the grassroots)," the PSC chief said.
In the Davao series, Ramirez said basketball, volleyball and running events will be featured as well as Bisaya Dabaw oratorical contest.
"We will ask policemen to coach the teams and officiate the games. We will also invite the Church, the City Mayor's Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (Pdea) and Association of the Barangay Captains, athletic directors, and coordinate with them to make the Children's Games a success," he said, adding that 20 barangays will be identified with the help of the ABC to participate in the inaugural edition of the sportsfest for 13 years old and below OSYs.
Oration participants will also be provided with coaches. Free shirts and shorts will be provided as well as meals and transportation subsidy for barangay teams. No cash prizes will be given, according to Ramirez, but they are considering giving away mobile phones, among other items, aside from a tour to Malacañang or at the Presidential Guest House in Panacañang here.
He added that meeting President Duterte will be a bonus for the children.
The Sports for Peace is part of PSC's grassroots development program that supports the human development, anti-poverty alleviation and anti-drug programs of the Duterte administration.
Ramirez is eyeing to hold the opening ceremonies at the Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents or at a public barangay park or gym.