The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Manila City government have joined forces to rehabilitate and develop sports facilities at the Manila Boys Town Complex in Marikina City, with the partnership aimed at giving young residents greater opportunities to pursue athletics.
Among the major projects being considered are the rehabilitation of the complex’s Olympic-sized swimming pool and the improvement of its football pitch, which officials hope to bring up to international standards.
PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said providing children with access to proper sports facilities could help them discover their potential and inspire them to pursue athletic careers.
“Kaag binigyan mo lang ng pagkakataon iyung mga bata na maglaro, baka one day isang Olympian na ’yan, baka Hidilyn Diaz na ’yan, baka Carlos Yulo na ’yan. So bigyan natin lang sila ng tsansa na mangarap,” Gregorio said.
No definite completion date has been set for the rehabilitation work, although the PSC and Manila LGU are targeting the completion of the projects before the end of next year.
The partnership also includes the turnover of sports equipment for the young residents of Boys Town. The supplies include basketball, football and tennis equipment, along with boxing gear and a boxing ring.
The agencies also plan to conduct weekly sports clinics, physical fitness activities and mentorship sessions under the “Laro’t Saya sa Bahay Sandigan” program.
The initiative will go beyond athletic training, with values formation and life-skills activities also included to help develop discipline, teamwork and leadership among the children.
Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza said exposure to sports and other activities could help the youngsters develop aspirations for their future.
“Kapag meron na silang ibang maisip, na makita nila na meron palang pangarap na pwede nilang maabot, then doon mag-uumpisa iyung drive, doon mag-uumpisa ang hope,” Atienza said.
There are currently 278 students enrolled at the Valeriano Fugoso Memorial School, which is located within the Boys Town Complex.
Representatives from the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, Philippine Football Federation and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas witnessed the launch of the partnership.
Manila Sports Council Director Dale Evangelista said sustained government support could allow the facility to produce more high-level athletes in the future.
“What if kung ganitong mga bata, mabigyan mo pa ng pagkakataon, suporta ng gobyerno, baka hindi lang isa o dalawa, tatlong Olympian ang kaya mong i-produce sa ganitong level at ganitong kalaking pasilidad,” Evangelista said.
The PSC and Manila LGU said they intend for the partnership and sports programs at Boys Town to continue beyond the current administration, providing the facility and its young residents with a long-term pathway for sports development. (Adrian Co)
