Sports as a driving force

Giewelyn C. Carreon

THE National Sports Summit 2021 – an online sports lecture-forum – has opened virtually recently, with the goal to turn to sports as a means to move forward as the country deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The summit was formally opened by no less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who urged sports leaders, stakeholders and the youth to continue their “worthwhile endeavors” when it comes to sports.

The Philippine Sports Commission spearheaded the summit, where almost 600 participants were encouraged to continue doing valuable acts that would inspire the younger generations.

According to the President, conducting this initiative through this online platform proves that sports can still be a tool in promoting excellence and instilling pride in the hearts of our people even as we prepare for the new normal.

This important activity also highlights the value of sports in society. Sports has always been an underrated aspect of nation-building, and given the ongoing pandemic, sports could serve as a driver for all Filipinos to rise together as one nation.

Our country officials have also vowed to support long-term sports development in the country through hard work and unity. With this, more Filipino athletes will put the country on the world stage and sports will help create a much better future for the entire nation.

Officials have also urged everyone to use sports as a driving force to inspire fellow Filipinos – and to finally achieve that elusive Olympic gold medal,

Meanwhile, the Deped hopes that sports would evenly strengthen and finally reach the country’s dream and goal of producing more world-class athletes not only for our schools, municipalities, provinces, and country but on a global scale as well.

Everyone was reminded to “live out your purpose in sports -- whether you are an athlete, a coach, a sports educator, a local government sports coordinator or a stakeholder -- sports has always taught us to rise up to challenges, dream bigger than us, to reach for goals which border on the impossible. Together we can do so many things, achieve much for sports and our country.”

--oOo-

The author is Teacher III at Magalang Elementary School