Dagupan City offers free ‘school break’ program for children
THE Dagupan Youth and Sports Development Commission (DYSDC) headed by Finnela Sim is now conducting Free School Break Sports Program as part of its thrust this year to develop the potentials of children in sports.
Sim said the program includes lessons on swimming and taekwondo.
The program, sanctioned by Mayor Belen Fernandez, started with swimming lessons on July 3 at the Dagupan Poolside, and taekwondo at the Dagupan City Astrodome.
The City Health Office under Dr. Ophelia Rivera, and her assistant, Dr. Sheila Sabado administered free medical check-ups to the young Dagupeños, who joined the program.
Sim said the free schools break program seeks top give equal opportunity for young athletes at the grassroots level, especially among the marginalized sector, to develop character, discipline, and build a steady foundation not leaning only in sports excellence, but in life as well.
She said her office organized this program as an avenue for children to join sports programs regardless of different school calendars and enable the young athletes to adjust to prescribed period for academics.
She added that aside from building a good foundation for the young, the program is to lead the youth away from drug addiction, vicious vices, less exposure to gadgets and online platforms and promote healthy lifestyle.
And due to budget constraints, the school break program took in former swimming and taekwondo athletes of Dagupan to serve as coaches.
The program’s added benefit to participants is teaching children the necessary survival skills in swimming, developing presence of mind to save lives, and overcoming fears when disasters strike.
Meanwhile, Sim revealed that 50 athletes are already preparing for the Palarong Pambansa slated from July 24 to August 2 in Marikina City and the Philippine National Games which provide athletes the opportunity to be part of the National Team in international sporting events. (Kim Gealogo, University of Luzon, Intern)
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