In the hopes of giving children a chance to showcase their skills not only in sports but also in cultural and performing arts, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is reviving the Children’s Games this November 18 and 19 at the Cebu City Sports Center.
The event, which pits kids aged six to 12 years old, will be dubbed “Duwa Sa Kabataan.”
The Children’s Games had its inaugural edition here in Cebu in 2008, drawing over 13 different barangays.
As it returns after a nine-year lull, the 2nd edition of the Children’s Games will not only feature competitive sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, and boxing but will also give non-athletes a way to develop their talents as they will add the cultural dance and story-telling contests.
“The objective really is to keep the kids moving and playing not necessarily for winning. Just to keep the kids playing and have fun. Chairman (Butch) Ramirez’s emphasis is the grassroots and sports development,” said PSC-7 Executive Director Sheldon Vincent “Boobi” Kintanar.
Other sports which will be included in this year’s edition are arnis, air rifle, chess, gymnastics, karatedo, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, judo, and archery.
With the hopes of attracting more participants, PSC will not only recognize the top performers in each event but also plans to give every kid a medal to encourage them to continue to hone their talents.
“We are looking at 2000 kids from 80 barangays here in Cebu. We will be holding it in all the cities in the country. In the Visayas, around 39 cities. Cebu will just be the first but this will be rotational. We want it to be held yearly,” Kintanar added.