The House of Representatives called on government to allow the resumption of school sports training and the conduct of athletic competitions even as the number of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections in the country continued to wane.
The Lower House unanimously adopted on Tuesday, Dec. 7 House Resolution No. 2275 calling on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Department of Health to lift prohibitions for athletic training and competitions in both public and private schools.
HR 2275 contained the same appeal directed to the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.
The adopted resolution consolidated two similar measures filed by Ang Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Jane Elago.
Endorsed for adoption by the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, HR 2275 urges the agencies to “allow the same resumption of school sports trainings and the conduct of athletic competitions so that student athletes who could potentially bring honor and award to the country in the future can continue to enhance their skills under prescribed health and safety protocols.” In making the appeal for the lifting of ban on sports and athletic activities in schools, lawmakers noted that many student athletes have been forced to engage in training that are “Inadequate to meet the quality of training required” for their cjhosen sport because of the effects of security and health protocols.
“The resumption of school sports training activities and competitions will benefit student athletes who are desperately relying on their athletic skills to receive higher education through athletic scholarships,’ the resolution read.
But as congressmen make their bid to push for the return of normal training and sports activities, they also underscored the need to ensure safety.
Lawmakers said the “inoculation of student athletes is a critical step in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and minimizing any disruption to learning and sports activities.” HR 2275 stated that “resumption of sports training and competitions under a bubble-type facility”should be permitted subject to compliance with teh guidelines that the CHED, DepEd and DOH will proposed as approved by the IATF.