Swimming program for Badjao kids launched

CEBU, Philippines - The transformation of some 40 Badjao kids from begging in piers and knocking on cars to future swimming stars begins as the Cebu City Sports Commission formally launches its Badjao grassroots swimming program at the Cebu City Sports Center yesterday.

CCSC chairman Edward Hayco said this project took about a year to conceptualize as they need to identify carefully the first batch of kids for the program. Also, they have to look for a place, a pool, where the kids can train.

For such noble undertaking, CCSC first approached DepEd Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent Rhea Mar Angtud, which then took them to Mambaling's Alaska Elementary School where they discovered a classroom full of Badjaos.

In a week's time, the sports commission has asked for the parents' permission to allow their kids to train. The chosen kids were also equipped with swim suits, swim caps, towels and bags.

The kids age ranged from 8 to 12 years old. They started with a briefing and orientation under Coach Rolando Alvarez.

On their first day, Alvarez said,it will take a while for the kids to learn the proper swimming skills since it is not how they learned to swim.

Hayco said their target is to teach 200 Badjaos the proper techniques of swimming so that someday they will realize their dreams of becoming an athlete through the program.

This is in line with the sports commission's thrust to identify athletes in their  natural environment. The badjaos are known for their swimming ability. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)