Army kicks-off Summer Sports Training

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army officially opens the Summer Sports Training Tuesday, April 17 at the PA Wellness Center here, a military official said.

Major Harold Cabunoc, the Army Spokesperson, said that it is part of the PA Sports Development Program intended for the military personnel and their dependents.

“As the summer strikes as its hottest, our children need to go out of the house and spend their leisure time productively through sports activities that enable them to socialize with their peers. By interacting with the others through individual and team sports, they are also enjoying the benefits of gaining new skills,” said Cabunoc.

Brig Gen Danilo M Servando, Deputy Commander of Army Support Command (ASCOM), graced the event as the keynote speaker.

In his speech he stressed that the command is committed to give the young dependents a regular sports program that is free and facilitated by top-caliber sportsmen from each sporting event.

“The entire sports event that will be opened today does not only develop your general well-being but also a way for you to release some of the stresses in your life. This Summer Sports Training is an ideal venue for you to resolve little conflicts occurring normally at your age,” Servando said.

A total of 580 participants aged 7-19 years old participated in the one-month program which will end on May 17.

Servando added that this year’s participation is larger than the previous and that the majority of participants are very young starting at seven years old – an indication that they give importance to physical training and sports in general even at a young age.

Participants can choose from a wide variety of sports like martial arts, boxing, basketball, swimming, tennis, sepak takraw, volleyball and badminton among others. A different kind of category called “Combo” is included where participants can learn to play different band instruments.

Aimee, 7, and one of the participants for badminton said, “Gusto kong sumali para magkaroon ako ng mga kaibigan, mahiyain kasi ako”. (I want to join the program because I want to meet friends since I am a shy kid).

The Special Service Unit, the office that handles world-champion athletes like the world-renowned Dragon Boat Team, handles the sports development training.