[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’Sports for all ages and sectors’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
[/av_heading]
[av_image src=’http://www.panaynews.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/citysports3.jpg’ attachment=’115206′ attachment_size=’full’ align=’center’ styling=” hover=” link=” target=” caption=” font_size=” appearance=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ animation=’no-animation’][/av_image]
[av_textblock size=’18’ font_color=” color=”]
ILOILO CITY has produced a number of sports personalities who are currently strutting their wares in professional leagues and even representing the Philippines in international competitions.
Among notable Ilonggo athletes are PBA players Ronald Tubid, Ken Bono, Emman Monfort, and Anjo Caram; Gilas Pilipinas’ Kiefer Ravena; footballers Jovin Bedic and Jan Melliza; and biker Ariana Dormitorio.
Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog hopes to continue this trend with the local government’s various programs under the Sports Development Division headed by Rommel Castro.
“Mayor Jed’s priority is to provide opportunities to Ilonggos to be involved in sports,” Castro tells Panay News. “The grassroots program particularly intends to encourage them to enter into sports instead of drugs.”
Ilonggo youths may determine what sports they want to excel in via the weekly “Laro at Saya sa Parke” at the La Paz plaza, where they have a chance to learn the basics of arnis, basketball, football, tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, and wushu, Castro says. “It’s a good start.”
The city is also organizing age-group tournaments in boxing, futsal, chess, volleyball, and basketball to determine who has the potential to be developed and become part of national teams soon.
“The city’s various age-group sporting events will cater to the developmental aspect of the youth,” Castro says.
“Some of those who stood out in our age-group tournaments are being recruited to play in Manila or even in the national team. We are just here to help them realize their dreams,” he says.
Another way the city government helps Ilonggo athletes get discovered is by hosting or participating in national and international tournaments.
“With the help of fellow Ilonggos like Ka Ruding (Villaruz), some basketball and volleyball teams from Manila are conducting tryouts here, and a number of Ilonggos are being offered sports scholarships,” says Castro.
“Of course, we are happy if the products of our grassroots program get recruited to play for colleges in Manila or for the country,” he says.
SPORTS FOR ALL AGES
Moreover, the Sports Development Division also has programs for adults, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“Fun run, biking and dragon boat racing” are among the activities for adults, Castro says. “For those who want to learn a thing or two about coaching, we are inviting professional coaches to conduct clinics.”
Senior citizens, on the other hand, are encouraged to participate in fitness runs or walkathons. “They can also join Laro at Saya, particularly exercise and Zumba,” he says.
For PWDs, “we recently launched ‘Sports for PWDs,’” says Castro. “They are given the chance to show their sports skills.”
“Mayor Jed (Mabilog) is very clear with his marching order that he wants to have sports programs for everybody regardless of age, sex or deformity,” he said. “Here in Iloilo City, we get into sports, not drugs.”/PN
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
