Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Tuesday, April 25, turned the spotlight on the role of sports in teaching Filipino youth the discipline and hard work they need to succeed in life.
Vice President Sara Duterte speaks at the inauguration of Oriental Mindoro Sports Complex in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. (OVP photo)
Speaking during the inauguration of Oriental Mindoro Sports Complex in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, the official emphasized that sports could be the key in the growth and development of Filipino youth.
For her, sports and education are deeply connected in ensuring that children are protected from forces that hamper their pursuit of better lives and future.
“Winning becomes the fire that ignites their (children and youth) desire to win more games,” she said.
“But most importantly, sports teach them that winning is sweeter when it is celebrated with humility and when magnanimity becomes a source of inspiration for others to play future games better,” Duterte added.
She believed that those who get into sports learn “the value of discipline, hard work, and healthy competition.”
But more than winning, the Vice President also stressed the lessons learned from losing in competitions.
“In defeat, on the one hand, sports teaches them to harness their inner strength and maturity to persevere, work harder, and pick themselves up when they fall — and stand with a strong resolve to once again fight and fight to win,” she said.
She commended the local government of Oriental Mindoro for building the sports complex, which she described as a “symbol of the aspiration” of the local leaders for their children and youth.
“Magsisilbi itong simbolo ng pag-asa para sa ating mga kabataang may interest sa sports (This will serve as a symbol of hope for our youth who has interest in sports),” Duterte said.
However, this should also serve as a reminder for the officials that they need to push for the programs that would guide the youth toward a better future.
The sports complex features a multi-purpose hall, standard-sized track and field oval, tennis court, basketball court, and a volleyball court.
The inauguration of the sports complex was in time for the opening of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Athletics Meet, where six teams have enlisted to compete in various fields.
Duterte extended monetary contributions to all six participating units, their coaches, and technical officials.
