DAVAO CITY—Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio took time out from her busy schedule to watch and inspire the championship volleyball girls game between the city’s Davao Durians and Tagum City’s Tagumpay at Davao City National High School (DCNHS) in the ongoing Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet.
The city mayor, who played volleyball during her high school years, approached each team and gave them encouraging words during the break.
“I told them that winning is not important... what is important is that they make memories,” she said in an interview.
Duterte-Carpio said in sports events like DAVRAA, the athletes learn camaraderie and sportsmanship the way Davao athletes should develop.
During her previous term as mayor, Duterte-Carpio gave recognition to the city’s athletes. This time though, she said, no huge financial bonus will be given because she wants athletes to play not for the money.
“Wala kaayo dako na (There is really no big amount) incentive in terms of money but we recognize them and encourage them to perform well in sports events, not just DAVRAA but in all sporting events participated by the Dabawenyos,” she said.
Happy with the outcome of the city’s hosting of DAVRAA, the mayor has offered to host DAVRAA again next year. She said the Department of Education (DepEd) has agreed to this in principle.
According to the mayor, next year’s hosting of DAVRAA would also be in preparation for the Palarong Pambansa in 2019.
The city government will be bidding to host the 2019 national games in time for the completion of the University of the Philippines-Mindanao sports complex in Mintal campus.
Meanwhile, Davao City Sports Office chief Michael Aportadera lauded the performance not only of the Davao athletes but all the DAVRAA participants.
“We are thankful everybody played well with sportsmanship and camaraderie; this is a way of unifying the Davao Region once again. I am very thankful for the support of our mayor and the neighboring LGUs for making this happen for Davao City once again after two decades,” Aportadera said. (Maya Padillo/PNA)
