GMA to youth: Strive hard

BACOLOD — The President yesterday exhorted the participants in the third Philippine National Youth Games-Batang Pinoy to strive not only to excel in sports but likewise to serve as instruments for national development at a time when the country is reeling from a series of setbacks on various fronts.

"Instead of just being competitive and sports-minded, everyone should use this meet as an instrument for national development especially now that the country is facing a lot of problems," said Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina, who spoke on behalf of President Arroyo, who had cancelled all her out-of-town trips due to the Mindanao conflict.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Carlos Tuason and host Bacolod City Mayor Luzviminda Valdez also graced the opening rites at the Panaad Sports Complex here with inspirational messages.

Tuason said Batang Pinoy has achieved its three main objectives -- to serve as children’s channel for massive exposure, allow children to internalize sports values and democratize the way the PSC is recruiting and honing fresh talents.

"In just three years, we have achieved our goal of discovering fresh talents from Batang Pinoy," said Tuason, who was accompanied by commissioners William "Butch" Ramirez, Cynthia Carrion and Amparo "Weena" Lim, the event’s project director.

"This only confirms and validates the fact that Batang Pinoy has successfully buried the pessimism hurled by the meet’s critics some few years back," he added.

Valdez, on the other hand, said that despite the difficulties they encountered in the hosting of the event for 12-years-old and below, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental will always offer its hand for the sake of RP sports.

"Despite its difficulties, we are honored that the PSC has given us the opportunity to host the Batang Pinoy for the second time," said Valdez, who was with Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Maranon and Vice Gov. Isidro Zayco in declaring the games open.

Some 20,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and city folks were present in the traditional parade of colors, the lighting of the urn by six-year-old tanker Maria Kiesha Yvet Mercado of General Santos City, the youngest participant, and the beautifully-choreographed production number performed by students from University of St. La Salle.

The delegates, members of the PSC staff, the national and local media were also treated to a dazzling display of fireworks and a fellowship dinner party in the nightcap at the venue, which also serves as a sanctuary for wildlife.

Seven of the 15 sports events — badminton, boxing, chess, football, little league baseball and softball, law tennis and volleyball — unfolded yesterday.

Dancesports debuts Sunday with four gold medals at stake while a gold medal apiece in girls’ long jump, boys’ shotput and girls’ baseball will be up for grabs.