"Treat Marikina City as your home in the coming days," said newly elected Marikina City District 1 Congresswoman Marjorie Ann "Maan" Teodoro as she welcomed the 600 athletes and coaches who flocked to the Marikina Sports Center on Saturday evening, June 10, for the opening ceremony of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)'s Friendship Games 2022.
The CHED Friendship Games is the first of its kind, operating under the National Tertiary Games Pilot Testing of the Tertiary Sports Development Program.
Flying under the banner of "Balik Galaw, Balik Laro, at Palakasan," the games aim to help transition sports to the new normal, as well as promote wellness among the youth.
This year's friendship games involved delegates from 29 higher education units (HEU) and institutions from the National Capital Region (NCR) and three more regions in the country.
Marikina City is one of the host cities of the games along with Quezon City and Pasay City. The volleyball and obstacles sports competitions will be held in the city.
"Isang karangalan maging bahagi ang aming lungsod ng pagbabalik sa galaw, laro, at palakasan. Ngayong patuloy ang ating pag-aahon mula sa pandemyang pinagdadaanan, mabisa ngang paraan ang paglalaro at palakasan upang maibalik ang mas masiglang pamumuhay lalo na sa kabataan na matagal ring hindi nakalabas at hindi nakapaglaro nang malaya (It is an honor for our city to play a part in the return of contact sports, and competitions. As we continue to heal from the toils of the pandemic, holding sporting competitions is an effective way to recreate a more active, healthier lifestyle, especially for our youth who have been isolated in their homes, and deprived of the freedom to play outside)," Teodoro said.
She thanked CHED, the Marikina Polytechnic College, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, their co-host cities, and other institutions involved in the program for their dedication and support to young athletes.
Teodoro urged the athletes to imbibe the values they will gain during the friendship games, which is an opportunity to showcase their skills, and most importantly, connect and make meaningful relationships with their fellow players.
She noted the lifetime benefits of physical activity and sports to "physical, mental and cognitive health, academic performance and productivity, development of psychosocial skills, and emotional wellbeing."
CHED's Friendship Games aligned with the local government's goal to increase physically active communities, and encourage solidarity and cooperation among families, friends, and groups through these social interactions, she said.
"Suportado ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay prayoridad sa sports facilities, parks, at open spaces na maaaring gamitin sa competitive sports at leisure activities. Suportado rin ang lahat ng uri ng sports school programs at community initiatives mula sa mga liga, zumba dance parties, cycling festival, makabagong E-sports battles hanggang sa ground golf tournaments ng mga senior citizens (The local government continues to prioritize the creation and improvement of sports facilities, parks, and open spaces for competitive sports and leisure activities. We also support all kinds of sports school programs and community initiatives such as sports leagues, zumba dance parties, cycling festivals, E-sports battles, and golf tournaments for senior citizens)," Teodoro added.
Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and Pasay City Administrator Cresalita Rey also imparted their respective messages of encouragement and good luck to the athletes and attendees.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and Health Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, the event's keynote speaker, delivered a pre-recorded speech.
The closing ceremony of the CHED Friendship Games is scheduled on July 2.