Over 300 students and underprivileged out-of-school youth from five barangays are competing in the first Philippine Sports Commission Children’s Games in Bacolod and Iloilo starting today at the University of St. Salle Integrated School.
PSC commissioner Eric Loretizo led sports and local officials in welcoming participants aged 12 and under in simple ceremonies marking the opening of the two-day event which features competitions in basketball, volleyball, football and marathon.
The Bacolod leg of the Children’s Games initiated by PSC chairman William Ramirez opens simultaneously with the Cebu leg at the San Carlos University.
“This is our own little way of providing an avenue for young athletes and for the PSC to identify talents for future members of the national team,” said Loretizo, a children sports advocate.
Newly appointed commissioner and PSC executive director Fr. Vicente Uy represented the PSC in the Cebu leg, which was jointly hosted by the city government and San Carlos University.
After the Bacolod stage, next stop is Iloilo Dec. 27-28.
Loretizo said all participants will receive sports equipment which they can use to further develop their skills in preparation for the summer games next year.