SPORTS is indeed one avenue or mechanism to help our youth become well-rounded and productive individuals. Through the establishment of the National Academy of Sports, young athletes are able to showcase their skills in different athletic events, and their active participation in various sports activities not only improves their physical and mental abilities but it also enables them to instill the values of hard work, discipline, and excellence.
By virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 11470, the NAS was institutionalized to recognize and develop talented students from all sectors, including those from indigenous communities and persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other marginalized groups. The NAS System is an attached institution of the Department of Education (DepEd) in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Under the law, the New Clark City Sports Complex will serve as the location of the NAS campus, with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in-charge of the construction of classrooms, dormitories, and other sports facilities, and related amenities.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inspection of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) learning and training center for deserving Filipino scholar-athletes at New Clark City in Tarlac on June 14. As part of the ceremonial activity, the President visited the world-class Academic and Administration Building and the Multi-Purpose Gymnasium, both of which are included in the Php 557.8-million Phase 1 of the NAS project. DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones and Bases Conversion and Development Authority officials joined President Duterte in the inspection of the ongoing NAS construction.
During his speech, President Duterte commended the NAS, BCDA, and all government and private partners that contributed to the construction of this new and significant institution despite the inherent limitations of the pandemic for the continuous establishment of the said school which is "envisioned to be a world-class facility that would serve in the forefront in our efforts to provide a conducive environment for the academic and sports training and character development of our young athletes." He added that he fervently hopes that "he pioneer batch of student-athletes become well-rounded Olympians and champions who will carry our flag in the international sports arena and inspire a deep sense of patriotism among Filipinos."
As DepEd and NAS endeavor to provide the ground for these students to build up their physical capabilities, they also commit to ensuring that the student-athletes also acquire the necessary academic competencies for them to be highly competitive individuals. With NAS, the government is able to provide these aspiring athletes the prestigious opportunity to build up their future both on the national and international sports scenes.
Looking for scholars
For the next school year, NAS will offer programs in eight focus sports, namely Athletics, Aquatics (Swimming), Gymnastics, Badminton, Judo, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, and Weightlifting – all of which are Olympic sports.
The Academy is inviting incoming Grade 7 and Grade 8 student-athletes in any of the eight focus sports to consider the opportunities that await within the NAS System.
Every year, the Academy opens its doors to deserving Filipino youths through the NAS Annual Search for Competent, Exceptional, Notable, and Talented Student-Athlete Scholars (NASCENT-SAS), which is currently on an extended run until June 30.
To inquire about NAS scholarships, reach out to the NAS Admission Services Unit and NASCENT-SAS via email: nascentsas@deped.gov.ph
or via mobile phone, Viber or WhatsApp: 0976-038-3434 (GLOBE) | 0976-037-8383 (GLOBE) | 0976-040-0899 (GLOBE) | 0931-047-2020 (SUN)