THE Davao City Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office officer in-charge Michael Denton Aportadera Friday, September 30, met the sports stakeholders in the city for a consultative meeting at the SP Building.
The meeting was in compliance to the marching order of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio to unite sports leaders and set a new direction to push the city's sports programs forward.
Aportadera said the city's sports programs must be aligned with the programs of the Philippine Sports Commission, particularly in bringing development to the grassroots level and to discover potential athletes who could be honed for bigger sporting events.
Under his watch, Aportadera said he will ensure the athletes, who will represent Davao City in sports competitions will be the best of the best regardless of their affiliation or attachment to officials.
There must be try-outs. Aportadera was pertainng to sports with two or more organizations. There will be only one team per sport, Aportadera said.
Leaders of National Sports Association were also reminded on the protocol when asking financial assistance for their events.
"Channel it to us. Do not go directly to the office of the City Mayor or other City Officials because you're close to them," he added.
Davao City is preparing to participate in the upcoming Batang Pinoy Games in November this year at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City.
Sports leaders were optimistic to bring back the prestige of Davao athletes who dominated in major sports events and emerged over all champion in the past years in national competitions.
Philippine volleyball Federation regional director Dax Yambao hailed Aportadera, saying his leadership will inspire athletes and coaches to give their best to compete for the city's honor while National Chess Federation of the Philippines regional director James Infiesto, for his part, is hopefull that Aportadera's leadership in the city sports office will boost the morale of Dabawenyo athletes.