THE long wait is over as the Laro't Saya sa Parke (LSP), part of Philippine Sports Commission's Sports for All program, was relaunched and attracted some 800 participants at People's Park in Davao City on Sunday, July 9.
The free Zumba class, an all-time crowd drawing event in every LSP edition, had the most number of attendance with around 700 as Dabawenyos from all walks of life including families, regardless of age, gender, culture and religion, came and grooved their way to popular dance hits.
Meanwhile, less than a hundred joined the free arnis, karatedo and taekwondo classes handled by veteran coaches.
Arnis Philippines Davao head Mario Palazuelo, in an interview, said: "Lipay mi kay first time karon naapil ang arnis. Gwapo ni nga programa kay giduol jud sa community ang sports, grassroots jud ba og libre pa (We're happy that arnis had been included. This is a good program as it is brought to the community, to the grassroots and it's for free)."
He said they expect more participants in coming Sundays when LSP will be held.
Philippine Karatedo Federation (PKF) regional coordinator Bern Rexander Tacay, for his part, lauded the program as it allows him to share his expertise on self-defense.
"This is good for the youth and also for adults and seniors to learn self-defense," Tacay said, adding that only few joined the kick off of the weekly event as others came late and were just observing.
"Inaasahan naming mas dadami pa ang sasali sa mga susunod na Linggo," he said, urging Dabawenyos to avail of the program that is being held in partnership by PSC and city government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office.
Eight-year-old Alexander Blase, a Grade 3 student of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Elementary School,
also joined the karatedo class although he has been playing the sport for three years now.
"Nagpapasalamat po ako," said Blase who won a Team Philippines cap and socks during the raffle draw for LSP participants.
PSC deputy executive director of Coordinating Secretariat and Support Services Ronnel Abrenica, who represented PSC Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez, and PSC Program Research and Planning Division acting chief Alona Quintos led the awarding of special raffle items.
The LSP will resume on Sunday at the same venue from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.