Labella wary of kids in extreme sports

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella has criticized the promotion of “extreme sports” for young children as it might promote violence than camaraderie.

Labella said that extreme sports like boxing, mixed martial arts and the likes may bring negative impacts on children aged 10 and below who are already active in these sports. He said aside from physical impacts, it might also have some psychological effects on children.

The recently-concluded Cebu Extreme Fight League supported by the Cebu City Sports Commission, for instance, drew public criticisms due to the participation of children as young as nine years old to the said “violent sports.”

Labella has urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development to conduct a study on the physical and psychological effects and impacts of such extreme sports towards children, in coordination with the committee on youth and sports headed by Councilor Richard Osmeña.

“It must be assessed and studied because this entails violence and is harmful to young children,” Labella said.

Benigno Caniga, MMA event promoter, belied Labella’s statement saying the sports uphold discipline and confidence among young children.

“We are the same as boxing, taekwondo and karate, these sports also features young fighters. We understand that the sport is young. It’s new to them so we are not surprised with their reactions,” Caniga said.

“I understand the concern for the young MMA fighters, but I assure them that the kids are safe and they are enjoying in every competition. They are not forced but they have competitive spirits,” he added.

At a very young age, he said the kids are well-trained, showing professionalism and dedication to sports. “Why young? Because it’s good to start training them while they are young. Filipino has a chance to excel in this sport, Filipinos are already competing in UFC and ONE FC, these are big international tournaments. We have a chance to give pride to the country through this sport,” Caniga said.

He explained that they are following specific rules and standards for the MMA tournaments, prioritizing the safety of the fighters.

Lawyer Rey Gealon, a sport enthusiast, said extreme sports do not violate the provisions of the law including the Anti-child Abuse Law because young fighters were not exploited, demeaned or violated during tournaments.

Gealon, however, said rules and regulations of the sports must be properly observed on amateur fights.

“They don’t go to ring to just fight but to show their talents and skills on martial arts. Children engaging to sports, first and foremost, lead towards life of fulfillment away from vices. Mas taas ang consciousness to be away from violence,” Gealon said.

Mayor Michael Rama said the scenario of young kids in extreme sports is “normal.”

“It’s normal but kinahanglan na i-oversee. Boxing is a sport and any other sports should start from youngsters,” Rama said.

Rama, who used to play boxing, said extreme sports are far from violence, stressing that these promote physical and mental development and enhance self-discipline among young children.— (FREEMAN)