Carrion spearheads women’s congress

For the first time, Filipino women involved in sports development and promotion will converge and have the chance to discuss relevant issues and concerns confronting them at the first Philippine Congress on Women and Sports slated Nov. 21-24 at the spanking new Tagaytay International Convention Center (TICC) in Tagaytay City.

Commissioner Cynthia Carrion of the Philippine Sports Commission is the convenor of the four-day conclave, which has for its theme "Converging the Divergence of Philippine Sports Issues, Actions and Initiatives." The Congress, highlight of the Philippine Sports Commission’s Gender and Development Program this year, is expected to draw at least 500 female and male participants from the various sports disciplines.

"The inaugural Congress on Women and Sports is envisioned to be the main forum for discussing and addressing issues and concerns relating to gender equity and the needs of female athletes and leadership, as well as the role of women in sports whether for the purpose of sports excellence, wholesome recreation or health promotion of high standard," said Carrion, the only female member of the present board of commissioners at the PSC.

"There is a clear need to ensure that any bias making it difficult for any group, women in particular, to reap benefits and rewards of playing, coaching, officiating and administering in sport, is overcome," she added. "The Congress is a big leap toward this end."

No less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, herself a woman of varied sports interests, has been invited to keynote the Congress’ opening rites, according to Carrion. "After all, the gathering seeks to draw attention to the advocacy of elevating the status of women in governmental and non-governmental organizations of varied disciplines with a view to professionalizing women sports," she pointed out.

Carrion, an international fitness instructor, will also conduct a lecture and demonstration on aerobics in one of the plenary sessions of the four-day confab.

Meanwhile, local officials of Tagaytay City led by Mayor Francis Tolentino, are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare to host the event. "We are rolling out the red carpet for all the participants and guests of the first Philippine Congress on Women and Sports which will be the very first major event to be held at the newly-built TICC," Tolentino said. "We are making a bid to make Tagaytay as the country’s next convention city."

Interested parties may call the Congress Secretariat at tel. nos. 303-1024 and 303-1030 or e-mail [email protected] for further details.