Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary “Inday” Sara Duterte urged athletes from the 11 divisions of Davao Region to embrace the champion within them and to seize the moment as they step into the playing field for the 2024 Davao Regional Athletic Associations (DAVRAA) Meet.
In her inspirational message during the opening of DAVRAA Meet 2024 on April 1, VP Inday told Dabawenyo athletes that more than a competition, the regional meet is both a platform and opportunity for growth and transformation for every young Dabawenyo athlete, and that the Palarong Pambansa awaits to embrace their dreams and ambitions.
“This regional meet is more than just a competition, it is a platform of growth and an opportunity for transformation. Over the next few days, you will discover the true meaning of competitiveness not just against others, but against your own limitations and your doubts. Sabi nga nila, malayo na pero malayo pa. For many of you, this may mark the beginning of an extraordinary journey, for others it is a chance to rise from the setbacks and reclaim your place in the limelight. Regardless of where you stand today, remember that the Palarong Pambansa awaits, ready to embrace your dreams and your ambitions,” she said.
Athletes were also reminded that they are not just athletes but also ambassadors of hope, symbols of resilience, and beacons of inspiration. According to VP Inday, athletes should draw inspiration from such Filipino sports legends as Paquiao, Diaz, and Yulo, who defied the odds and etched their names in history.
Meanwhile, VP Inday also reminded coaches and officials that they may opt to stop the games should the heat index becomes unbearable or to conduct the games early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Athletes are also encouraged to not hesitate to ask for timeouts or substitutions during the games.
“Magremind lang ko sa atoang mga coaches, sa atoang mga officials nga kung init kaayo ang panahon, taas na kaayo ang adlaw, pwede ninyong iundang ang dula, pwede mo’ng mupili nga magdula lang sa buntag sayo o sa hapon na padulong sa gabii, ayaw ninyo pugsa og padula ang mga athletes kung kabalo mo nga bisan kamo maglisod mo og dula tungod sa kainit. Ug I remind all our athletes nga dili mo maulaw mangayo og timeout or dili mo maulaw mangayo og substitution kung sa pamati ninyo nga dili na gyud ninyo kaya ang kainit o tungod kay naglain ang inyohang pamati. Tungod kay ang DAVRAA naa na kada tuig, ang atoang mga meets, sports meets, naa na kada tuig so pwede pa ta mudalo sunod tuig [I want to remind our coaches and our officials that if the heat index is high, they may opt to stop the games; they can choose to play early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Do not force your athletes to play, especially when you are aware that the heat is too high and even you would be having a hard time playing. I also want to remind athletes that they should not hesitate to ask for timeouts or substitutions when the heat is too much for them or when they are not feeling well because the DAVRAA happens every year; our sports meets happen every year, so they still have a chance to participate again next year],” she said.
The opening ceremony of the 2024 DAVRAA Meet was held at the Davao City-UP Mindanao Sports Complex and was participated in by more than 7000 delegates from 11 divisions in Region 11.
Officials from the city government and neighboring LGUs, officials from DepEd Davao and DepEd Region XI, as well as notable guests like the youngest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt in the Philippines, Marc Alexander Lim, was present during the event.
The ceremony culminated with the ceremonial lighting of the friendship cauldron. The DAVRAA Meet 2024 will run from April 1–7, 2024. More details, updates, and news on the games can be viewed on the DAVRAA Meet Facebook Page: DAVRAAmeet2024. (CIO)