Ways to keep the kids busy in summer

CEBU, Philippines – Summer is the most awaited time for students who badly want to take a break from all the stress and endless class assignments at school. It is the time when anything fun under the sun is at last possible to do without having to mind time.

Some students, however, would prefer to keep away from the scorching heat outside and would rather stay at home. They would either sleep all day or get their eyes stuck on the screen of their gadgets or on TV to entertain themselves. And most parents wouldn’t mind; they actually like to have the kids stay at home.

On the other hand, summer would be best time to enroll the kids in various workshops. It doesn’t have to cost a thing. There are workshops offered by the government, either for free or for a pittance.

The Cebu City Sports Center is offering workshops for young people, to polish up on their physical fitness and uncover hidden talents. As early as 8 in the morning, the sports center is already teeming with aspiring athletes, along with their parents who are in full support of their children. There are various sports and dance programs offered for summer 2018. The programs have started last April 2 and are ongoing until May 31. The programs offered in sports categories are taekwondo, badminton, swimming, basketball, karatedo, gymnastics, table tennis, arnis and even boxing.

The Taekwondo Summer Clinic, conducted by the Philippine Taekwondo Association, aims to develop confidence, discipline, strong mind and body. Not to mention that it also trains children in the art of self-defense.

The dance programs include taebo, ballet Polynesian, aerobics, modern hiphop, belly dancing and dance sports. All these workshops are conducted right at the Cebu Sports Center.

At the same time, certain summer races are going on. Visayas Open 2018, in collaboration with Philippine Sports Commission, is tournament without a registration fee, comprised of 15 different sports, open to ages12 to 22. After its recent launching in Cebu City, the tournament is making rounds in certain places in the Visayas.

RUNRIO Trilogy, a series of races labeled as “Premier Running Series,” is a half marathon event that started last March 4. Its Afroman Distance leg is set for May 6, and Philippine Marathon will be on August 19. Registration for the upcoming events may be made online.

Summer is indeed an opportune time not only for sweating it out but, more importantly, to learn useful skills and even for discovering hidden potentials for making it big someday.