PSC supports first Manila Youth Games

The first Manila Youth Games (MYG), set April 7-14 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, continues to gain support from the government, as well as the private sector.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Eric Buhain recently released financial assistance amounting to P500,000 to the organizing Manila Sports Council (MASCO) and has assured free use of sports facilities, while two private firms - WG&A Super Ferry and Smart Communications - have also pledged support to the week-long event.

Masco chief Ali Atienza, son of Mayor Lito Atienza, said WG&A Super Ferry will give tickets that will be raffled off to the public by Masco during the event, while Smart Communications will provide communication equipment for the organizers to ensure the success of the Manila Youth Games.

"We are very grateful to the PSC and the two private firms for their support to city of Manila’s grassroots sports development program," said Mayor Lito Atienza.

For his part, Buhain said, "The PSC remains committed to all sports programs that encourage full participation of the broadest section of our society, especially the grassroots."

According to Ali Atienza, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PSCO) are also expected to pledge assistance for the staging of the Manila Youth Games.

Pagcor and PCSO are two government agencies giving financial support to sports development in the country.

Also expected to throw in their support to the MYG are Peak Taekwondo Equipment, Victor Sports, and PC-One, which will handle the computerization of the event.

"Hindi pa man dumarating ang kanilang tulong, nagpapasalamat na kami sa kanilang lahat," the young Atienza, a former Asian taekwondo champion, added.

Mayor Atienza said the Manila Youth Games aims to promote the development of grassroots sports in the country’s premiere city and provide opportunities to accommodate more young recruits and help identify new, fresh sports talents.

Outstanding performers of the MYG will be granted scholarships at the soon-to-rise Manila Sports Academy (MSA) in the Manila Boys’ Town wherein long-term residential sports programs shall be provided while social, educational, medical and vocational needs are also addressed to meet the young athletes’ development objectives.

Sports on tap in the Manila Youth Games are athletics, badminton, chess, dance sports, football, gymnastics, lawn tennis, girls softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, and volleyball.

The MYG, a vital part of the Manila Sports Kasali Ka Program, is the mass-based development project for the city’s in and out-of-school youth aged 12 years and under. A participant must either be a student in Manila, member of a sports club registered in the city, or a Manila resident.