THE Mindanao Leadership Summit for Athletes (MLSA) 2017, a product of the partnership between Mindanao Peace Games (MPG) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), closed Saturday evening, February 11, at the Home Crest Hotel in Davao City.
From their usual sports attires, the athletes and some coaches transformed into their best formal dress to end the three-day leadership summit with food, fun and fellowship.
Selected athletes and coaches thanked the organizers for the one-of-a-kind women empowerment event.
Kayleen Yap of Xavier University, Jehan Mamaluba of Datu Ibrahim Paglas Memorial College and Celina Simone Jaldon of the Ateneo de Davao University were among those who testified that MLSA 2017 is a life-changing event, a great example of camaraderie and the best avenue to boost their self-confidence.
PSC commissioner Celia Kiram, in her keynote speech, told delegates to "become a vehicle to transform and make the country great again through sports."
The commissioner, however, hoped to replicate the event all over the country.
"I always dreamed of helping women. Through this event, that dream was fullfilled," she said.
The MPG main convener, Noli Ayo, thanked the PSC's Women in Sports Program for supporting the conference.
Ayo, in his closing statement, said, "It is your (particpants) duty to make sure of making a significant impact through sports, strive to live a life creating a ceiling and making it a floor for the next generations."
Participants from Holy Cross of Davao College, Datu Ibrahim Paglas Memorial College, Mindanao State University-Marawi, Iligan Medical Technology College, Holy Trinity College of General Santos City, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, La Salle University-Ozamiz, Saint Joseph Institute of Technology and Father Saturnino Urios University also received certificates.