Pasay city: A total of 2,000 balls will be donated to revitalize grassroots sports development in public schools nationwide, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said Sunday. The balls are from the F©d©ration Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, 1,000 pieces; Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), 500; and Philippine Football Federation (PFF), 500.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative supports the vision of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a new national sports development program, as outlined in his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28. "Bubuo tayo ng bagong pambansang programa para sa sports development. Uumpisahan natin ito sa paaralan pa lamang (We will form a new national program for sports development. We will start this in school)," Marcos said.
The PSC, in partnership with the Department of Education, aims to reintroduce sports clubs, inter-school competitions, and intramurals in public schools, ensuring early access to athletic opportunities and nurturing young talent across the country.
Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and their youngest son, Vinny, attended the opening ceremony of the FIVB Men's World Championship at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Friday. President Marcos made the ceremonial serve before the Alas Pilipinas-Tunisia match, which they watched until the end of the first set.
PSC Chair Patrick Gregorio is enthusiastic about the future of Philippine sports. "We are standing at the threshold of a great new era and the dawn of a truly exciting legacy. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas (Long live the Philippines)!" Gregorio said in a statement.