DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio yesterday underscored that the Davraa Meet 2019 is more than just a competition and that winning is not important.
“Yes, the Davraa Meet is a competition but it is also a venue for growth, for self discovery and for friendships,” she addressed some 7,000 delegates of athletes, coaches, chaperones, technical officials and spectators during the opening of the regional meet at the Davao City-University of the Philippines (UP) Sports Complex in Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District.
She also urged the athletes not to succumb to pressure to win or be pressured by outside forces. “Keep focus and give your all,” the mayor said as she also encouraged them to read the personal letter she inserted in the Bags ng Pagbabago that the host city gave to each delegate.
Duterte-Carpio reminded the student athletes from the 11 participating delegations to study hard and finish their studies, listen to their teachers and to listen to their parents whom she cited as way ahead in experience and who knows what’s right or wrong.
“What’s important is you’re happy and enjoying the games and you learn from it,” she added.
Guest speaker International Boxing Federation (IBF) world super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, in his message, shared how prayer and discipline helped him reach his success in boxing.
“Unta ang kabataan sa Davao madasig mamahimong inspirasyon na ang kalampusan nako sa boxing tungod sa atong pag-ampo sa Ginoo, paghatag nya og grasya na maging way kanako sa championship og ang tabang ni Senator Manny Pacquiao (I hope the athletes of Davao will be inspired that I became successful in my boxing career through prayer and faith in God, giving me a way to become a champion also with the help of Senator Manny Pacquiao),” the proud Barangay Una boxing gym of Panabo City product said.
He also thanked the help of his coaches, family and manager. He added that wherever he goes, “Proud ko nga taga Davao region ko og taga Panabo ko (I am proud I am from Davao del Norte and I am from Panabo City.”
Duterte-Carpio and Department of Education (Deped) regional director Alberto Escobarte, meanwhile, led the ceremonial cutting of ribbon.
Most of the competition will kick off Monday, January 28, in separate venues.