MANILA, Aug. 12 - The Philippine Sports Commission-sponsored Kadayawan Girls Volleyball tournament kicked off on Friday with Kabacan Elementary School and Tambobong Elementary School beating their respective rivals at the University of Mindanao gym in Davao City.
Kabacan Elementary School, the reigning Davao Children's Games champion, defeated Matina Central Elementary School, 25-8, 25-7, while Tambobong Elementary School prevailed over VF Corcuera Elementary School, 25-15, 25-15.
A total of 10 schools from three districts of Davao City are competing in the tournament held in coordination with the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO), Philippine Sports Institute (PSI-Mindanao) and the Department of Education-Davao. The event also offers cash prizes, trophies and certificates.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, PSC Butch Ramirez told the participants to get into sports but prioritize their studies.
“This project underscores the PSC’s thrust to involve children in sports. Like the Children’s Games that we hold in different areas around the country, this also targets girls up to 12 years old and exposes them to structured competition,” said Ramirez in a statement released by the PSC on Saturday.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, who was represented by SDD-CMO Program Director Pocholo Elegino, said the tournament “showcases the Dabawenyo integrity and sportsmanship, promotes development in the physique and moral values of the athletes, and also creates opportunities for equal participation among sectors.”
PSC Commissioner Charles Maxey, whose office is in charge of organizing the competition,
said the DepEd was receptive of the tournament's concept.
“They were happy for the girls to have a venue to display their volleyball skills. This was a project suggested by Chairman Ramirez during one of our board meetings. I am happy to organize it for the agency,” said Maxey.
“This is not a one-shot deal. We plan to make this a regular activity,” he added.
PSI-Mindanao coordinator Albert Ryan Lim welcomed Maxey's plan as he noted the very limited exposure for girls in volleyball. “The DepEd has a stronger program for boys in this sport. This project balances it out in effect," Lim said. (PNA)
