THE Department of Education Regional Office III does not only envision to promote academic excellence among its young learners but it also aspires to provide them the avenues for their holistic and progressive development. The conduct of co-curricular activities, including sports and athletic events, help the students become well-rounded and active individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the goal of nation-building.
Through the various opportunities such as athletic meets and other sports competitions to hone and develop their physical skills and talents in different sports categories, the students are given the chance to excel in their interests and further, become professional athletes someday. It is unfortunate that the events that are usually conducted annually, the regional and national athletic meets, CLRAA and the Palarong Pambansa were cancelled because of the Covid-19 restrictions. Many of the young athletes and their coaches put a halt on their training and preparations, and it is certain that time is quite valuable for those in the field of sports. The vigor and energy of our budding players somehow cannot be maximized and be put to good use at this time.
Since almost everything that we used to do has now shifted to what is considered new normal, the conduct of sports and athletic events has also followed suit to provide our sport-minded students the chance to exhibit their skills and sports prowess albeit done in a virtual modality. This is the first time that the DepEd held such an activity, remaining true to its goal of allowing young athletes to maximize their full potentials and utilize their energy and mental strength to compete in this skills demonstration competition.
The first ever Regional Sports Skills Demonstration Contest held last week aimed to provide the public school student-athletes an opportunity and alternative venue to showcase their athletic talents in the absence of an organized school-based sports tournament due to effects of the nationwide Covid-19 pandemic.
Certainly, sports activities whether done in the traditional way or in virtual modality, will help our learners develop their physical skills, competitiveness, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. Together, let us hope that this pandemic will be over, and we can once again celebrate the God-given talents and skills of our young athletes in the region.