Fun games, new friends bring smiles to Nabunturan kids

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  – Days before President Duterte declared a state of public health emergency amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) conducted the Unesco-cited Sports for Peace Children’s Games with sports clinics at the Assumption College of Nabunturan recently, benefiting over 300 children and youth sports volunteers in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro recently.

A total of 253 kids had a day of fun and friendship playing action relay, kalamansi relay, sack race, tug of peace, luksong tinik, three-ball race, dragon tail and kariling. Participants were guided by their 25 ates and kuyas who underwent a one-day leadership training under PSC national consultant Dr. Sergio Opeña and PSC Mindanao cluster head Ed Fernandez.

Seasoned Davao City coaches Pochollo Elegino (basketball), a Jr. NBA Coach of the Year, former Davao Aguilas Football Club coach Melchor Anzures and Ateneo de Davao University collegiate volleyball coach Mario Mojica, all of the PSC-Philippine Sports Institute (PSI), spearheaded the sports clinics to about 35 children.

Twelve-year-old Axel Dave Alivio, a sixth grader of Central Elementary School, thanked organizers for the opportunity to play outdoors with other children his age.