DAVAO ORIENTAL, March
2, 2015 – as Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet 2015
draws unity,
sportsmanship and resiliency through competitive games to the City of Mati, for
Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, celebrating sports festivals like these ‘signals
the Province’s recovery from the challenges brought by the aftermath of the
Typhoon Pablo.’
“I would like to
celebrate sports in terms of the effects it could bring to those who engage in
it,” said the governor as she delivered her message during the Meet’s Opening
Ceremonies on February 24, 2015 at Mati Centennial Sports Complex.
DAVRAA is an annual
regional sporting event that gatheredapproximately 5,000 delegates from Davao
City, Tagum City, Mati City, Panabo City, Digos City, Davao del Sur, Davao del
Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostella Valley Province and Island Garden City of
Samal. This year’s DAVRAA Meet assembled almost 4,000 student athletes, 600
coaches, 600 technical officials and support chaperons.
Governor Malanyaon
encouraged delegates to observe what the province gained so far and to witness
how the province is healing from the ‘wounds of the natural disaster’.
“This event has a
deeper meaning to Davao Oriental because it showcases the healing effect of
sports,” said Governor Malanyaon emphasizing that “sport heals the body and
soul, the display of physical prowess shows not only freedom from any form of
illness but showcases the pinnacle of health and wellbeing.”
“Hence, sports
represent a symbolism of healing for the province,” she clinched.
According to Governor
Malanyaonthe breakthroughs achieved so far by the province are the
manifestations of the healing, by witnessing the marked differences of the
three hard-hit towns in Baganga, Cateel and Boston.
“We have not only
recovered but also bounced back with more strength in development.”
According to her,
development projects like the Aliwagwag Nature Park and the Aragon Dam in
Cateel, the Sunrise Booulevard in Baganga, Pusan point in Caraga revealed that
people in Davao Oriental were not defeated by challenges. She also said that
the completion of tourist loops that link the natural and cultural heritage of
Davao Oriental is near.
“We have enhanced our
eco-parks from Boston to Pusan Point in Caraga to the tip of Cape San Agustin
in Governor Generoso,” said Governor Malanyaon.
She invited everyone to
see the majestic sight of Mt. Hamiguitan World Heritage Site from Baywalk and
immerse in the experience of the richness of natural and cultural heritage at
Subangan Museum.
“We have not only
healed but bounced back with resolve and dignity.”
Moreover, the Governor
admired sports also because of its unifying effect. According to her, it
unifies races, social status and differences. She cited a case about sport
published by Princeton University on the effects of every Manny Pacquiao’s
fight to the Filipino People. She quoted “he literally shuts down the entire nation
of the Philippines whenever he fights… everyone has their attention and
positive vibes on their fellow countryman for at least 1 hour,” stressing the
‘borderlessness’ of sports.
She said that people
celebrate sports also because of its humbling effect. She believed that one of
the significant values of sports is how the elders teach the young to handle
defeats more than victories. She reminded everybody that for any fair play,
defeat is temporary and you can always bounce back for the next match.
“The humbling effect of
sports teaches us how to be resilient,” said Governor Malanyaon.
She congratulated the
Government of Mati City for taking the challenge of hosting DAVRAA 2015 with
comfort. She also thanked the officials and working force of DAVRAA, principals
and teachers of the Department of Education and all agencies and organizations
who collaborated for this ‘huge learning activity’.
“Sports can be more
than just playing, it heals us, it unifies us and it makes us resilient for the
challenges of life,” Governor Malanyaon concludes.(By Van Jorain O. Rufin,
DAVOR PIO)
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