Milo stages Little Olympics

After the success of its three legs held respectively in Lingayen, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu, the 12th Milo Little Olympics, an inter-school sports competition for elementary and high school students, will culminate at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila with opening ceremonies tomorrow.

Games in 11 sports events are scheduled on Oct. 12, 13, 19 and 20.

This year’s Little Olympics includes competitions in badminton, gymnastics, lawn tennis, chess, table tennis, taekwondo, athletics, swimming, football, volleyball and sepak takraw.

Sepak takraw is the latest addition to the competitions starting this year.

According to Jackby Jaime, Milo Sports executive, sepak takraw has become increasingly popular in the country, featured in Physical Education classes at elementary and high school levels.

"Although included in intramurals and athletic meets locally, sepak takraw is not as established as other sports. Therefore Milo, the Olympic Energy Drink, is taking the initiative to further acquaint young Filipinos with the exciting game of sepak takraw by introducing it this year," Jaime said.

"We have made sepak takraw part of the program to give students a chance to play the sport competitively. At the same time, Milo sees the value of exposing our student athletes and spectators to a sport that’s culturally rooted in the region," he added.

Sepak takraw is gaining enthusiasts in countries like Australia, Germany, Finland, Canada and the US with tournaments and clinics being held for students and youth. In fact, the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) has established a global campaign to help popularize the sport.