Children ages 5-15 years old that are hoping to learn a new sport can now do so with the help of the Iloilo City Government through the Iloilo Sports Academy providing free sports training.
Under the direction of the Iloilo City Sports Development Division (ICSDD), Mayor Jerry Treñas launched this initiative to enable those who lack the financial means to enroll in the sports they want, develop their skills, excel in their field of expertise, stay healthy, and gain from the overall benefits of sports.
“This endeavor also serves as a training ground for promising athletes with the potential to be assessed if they can, later on, jump to national tournaments. The City Hall has tapped certified trainers and coaches to teach the children,” said Treñas. “Sige-sige ang ini nga aktibidades bilang suporta sa aton mga kabataan.” he added.
Treñas delegated Executive Assistant for Sports Rudiver Jungco, Sr. to help set up and organize the academy
“Our aim is to have a pool of players to compete and to carry the name of our beloved city. We want to see progress of trainings,” Jungco explained.
Kids can also get the opportunity to make new friends via the team games and exercises in addition to developing their abilities and acquiring new skills.
“We also want the teenagers’ attention to divert into sports and away from bad activities,” he added.
The parents of the athletes are grateful for what the Iloilo City Sports Academy has done for their children.
According to Ma'am Jovelica E. Espina, a parent of an athlete of our ICSA Arnis Team, the academy helped in her child's development as a more responsible person.
"Ang impact sa bata ko kay subong ga-engage siya sa arnis, may ara siya disiplina sa lawas niya. Nangin responsable siya kay siya gahikot sang iya mga gamit kag gabugtaw early. Damo siya na learn nga mga techniques nga gintudlo sa iya sang mga coaches niya." said Ma'am Espina
As a parent, she is thankful for the program of the Iloilo City Government under the administration of Mayor Treñas for giving opportunites for kids to study and learn their preferred sport for free.
"Thank you Mayor for this program especially sa mga kabataan dako gid na bulig sa mga kubos nga mga bata nga gusto mag engage sa sports." she added.
Qualifications and Requirements
- 5-15 years old by his/her PSA Certificate, whether original or photocopy
- Must be a bona fide resident of Iloilo City certified by Brgy. Clearance
- Must be physically fit, with Medical Certificate issued by a Registered Physician.
Each sport category will train an average of 70 participants.
These include Volleyball, Badminton, Sepak Takraw, Arnis and Chess at YMCA Gym; Football at La Paz Plaza Football Field; Lawn Tennis at La Paz Plaza Tennis Court; Athletics at Jalandoni Memorial National High School, Lapuz; and Boxing and Wushu at Cage Boxing Gym, Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao.
City Hall has tapped certified trainers and coaches to teach the children.
For those interested to join the Iloilo City Sports Academy, you may inquire through ICSDD Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/iloilocitysports/), or at the YMCA of Iloilo Covered Court, please look for Mark; or you may visit Iloilo City Sports Development Division, 5th Floor, City Hall, Plaza Libertad, City Proper.