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— The Editors

House OKs bill strengthening local sports program for athletes

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

November 24, 2021, 5:28 pm

MANILA – A measure providing programs and incentives for the development of young athletes has hurdled second reading approval at the House of Representatives.

During Wednesday's plenary session, the lower chamber passed through voice vote House Bill 10504, which seeks to strengthen local sports programs to develop young athletes.

Siquijor Rep. Jake Vincent Villa, the author of the bill, said there is a need to train and develop athletes at the earliest stages of their exposure to certain sports and at a very young age.

"The young promising athletes are the future of the nation's sports program. The possibility of competing in the higher stages such as the Olympics is possible," he said. "It is imperative for the nation's sports program to start by helping our young athletes to develop and hone their skills."

He also said young athletes must be assisted by giving them financial incentives to help their development.

The bill provides separate funds for the strengthening of the grassroots sports programs that would support not just the young athletes, but also local sports and recreation organizations, as well as sports facilities.

To further promote sports and its benefits among the youth, the Philippine Sports Commission shall allocate adequate resources to financially support the affiliation of young athletes in local sports club, recreation club, or sports organizations which facilities and activities can provide them the proper venue and opportunities for training and competition.

The Get Started fund shall be used to assist young athletes, including those with disabilities as well as athletes who cannot afford to join any local sports club, recreation club, or sports organization by reason of financial constraints.

Young athletes shall be provided with a discount voucher of up to PHP3,000 annually to help pay for their registration, membership, participation, and training fees.

The Get Going fund shall be used to support local sports clubs, recreation clubs, and sports organizations with funding of up to PHP50,000 annually for projects and programs that provide opportunities for more young athletes to become involved in sports.

The Get Playing fund shall provide up to PHP500,000 annually to assist local sports clubs, recreation clubs, and sports organizations in improving sports facilities and encourage more young athletes to become actively involved in the sports activity of their choice. (PNA)

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