Davao City’s young athletes are ready to showcase their talents and represent the region with pride as they head to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, for two prestigious events: the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championship and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area Northern Territory (BIMP-EAGA + NT) Friendship Games. These competitions, scheduled from November 20 to 30 and November 29 to December 6, respectively, are significant platforms for fostering sportsmanship, camaraderie, and regional pride.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Batang Pinoy National Championship, established under Executive Order No. 44 in 1998, serves as a cornerstone for national sports development among Filipino youth. The program nurtures self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence in children while promoting physical education with the support of government units and sports associations. Meanwhile, the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games aim to unite young athletes across the sub-region, emphasizing camaraderie and mutual respect.
City Support and Messages of Encouragement
During a heartfelt send-off ceremony on Monday, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, represented by Vice Mayor Jay Melchor Quitain Jr., wished the athletes success. “To our delegates, keep your focus and give it your all. Rest assured you have done everything you can to prepare for the game,” he said. The mayor urged athletes to remain grateful to their supporters and highlighted the importance of discipline, teamwork, and integrity both on and off the field.
Michael Denton Aportadera, officer-in-charge of the City Sports Development Division, also inspired the athletes, emphasizing resilience and continuous growth. “Sports is either you win or lose. If you lose, chin up, come back home, be trained, and become better,” he said, underscoring the significance of the journey over the outcome.
Optimism and Preparedness
Davao City is optimistic about its performance in this year’s competitions, aiming to surpass its achievements in 2022’s Batang Pinoy, where it ranked 3rd, and the 2018 BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games, where it placed 4th. Aportadera assured the public that the athletes have undergone extensive training and are ready to compete at their best.
“I understand that the direction of Davao City’s ranking has always been going up. We’ve ensured that our delegates are well-prepared,” Aportadera shared, adding that this year’s contingent embodies the city’s rising standards in sports.
Representing Davao City
For the Batang Pinoy, Davao City will field 287 athletes across multiple disciplines, including archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, chess, cycling, dancesport, futsal, gymnastics, and jiu-jitsu. Meanwhile, 90 delegates will represent the city in the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games, competing in archery, athletics, badminton, esports, pencak silat, sepak takraw, swimming, and karatedo.
Beyond the Competition
As the athletes head off to Palawan, they carry not just the hopes of Davao City but also lessons in perseverance, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. Mayor Duterte’s reminder that “real victory comes not only from winning but also from doing your best” echoes a sentiment that transcends competition.
The city takes pride in the dedication and passion of its young athletes, confident that they will not only strive for medals but also build friendships and create lasting memories. With unwavering support from the local government and the community, Davao City’s delegation is poised to inspire and excel in these prestigious events.
### Go, Team Davao!
As the competitions draw near, the spirit of Dabawenyo pride burns bright. To the young athletes, the journey ahead is not just about bringing home victories but also about upholding the values that make Davao City a beacon of sports excellence.
