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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos opens Palarong Pambansa, tells athletes 'you are already winners'

Marcos opens Palarong Pambansa, tells athletes 'you are already winners'

Published Jul 31, 2023 10:19 am
"You are already winners." President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. graces the opening of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City on July 31, 2023. (Noel B. Pabalate)
This was what President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. told the student athletes competing in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa as he led the opening of the annual sporting event in Marikina City Monday, July 31. As Marcos welcomed the students athletes from all over the country, and some from abroad, he told them to enjoy every moment of their time in this year's Palaro as they are already winners themselves for representing their schools and regions. "As you take part in your chosen sport, remember you are already champions," he said. "And now you represent your respective schools and localities. Compete with excellence, fairness, and integrity.  It is also my hope that you will enjoy every moment in this competition and make memories during this competition that you will keep close to your heart for the rest of your life," he added. The President also concluded his speech saying, "congratulations in advance because as far as we are concerned, you are already winners." Marcos expressed his belief that the student athletes competing in the national sporting event will someday bring glory to the Philippines. With this he urged the Department of Education (DepEd), which spearheads the country’s largest youth annual sporting event,  "to keep harnessing the talents and sportsmanship of student athletes" and continue to leverage their reach and resources to provide the athletes with the support, training, and opportunities that they thrive on and on which they will succeed. "With consistent and diligent efforts, I am confident that they will eventually bring glory to our nation, not only in the field of sports but also in other endeavors that they will choose to pursue," Marcos said. The Chief Executive assured them that the government remains "steadfast in developing the prowess of our young athletes and in championing their wellbeing." "This administration believes in the transformative power of sports, not only in improving one's strength and agility, but also in building up character and discipline," he said. Marcos also called upon the local government units (LGUs) to encourage school participation in sports competitions, noting to motivate students to engage in physical activities, "so they will learn the significance of discipline, resilience, in the realization of their goals." He also encouraged coaches, trainers, support staffs, and family members to continue to push and motivate the student athletes to become the best versions of themselves during their games and in life. The national games is making a return after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be held until August 5, with the theme, ‘Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag.’ Approximately 9,172 athletes, coaches and officials from the country’s 17 regions are competing in 34 disciplines that include games for the differently abled. This year’s Palaro will also revive traditional Filipino games called the ‘larong lahi’ featuring ‘kadang-kadang’, ‘tumbang preso’ and ‘patintero’ as exhibition events to preserve and promote the country’s rich cultural heritage. Likewise, the para games, weightlifting and obstacle course racing are listed as exhibition sports while dance sports, pencak silat and e-sports will take center stage as demonstration sports.

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