President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the athletes, coaches, and trainers of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa to compete with excellence, fairness, and integrity in his speech during the annual sports meet’s opening ceremony.
“As you take part in your chosen sport, remember you are already champions, and now you represent your respective schools and localities,” Marcos said.
“Compete with excellence, fairness, and integrity. It is also my hope that you will enjoy every moment in this competition and make memories during this competition that you will keep close to your heart for the rest of your life,” he added.
Marcos also welcomed the coaches, trainers and support staff who are helping the athletes prepare for the games. He assured them of the government’s continued support for sports development.
“This administration believes in the transformative power of sports, not only in improving one’s strength and agility, but also in building up character and discipline,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive also urged the Department of Education to keep harnessing the talents and sportsmanship of the Filipino student-athletes.
“Continue to leverage your reach and resources to provide them with the support, training and opportunities that they thrive on and on which they will succeed,” Marcos said.
Marcos also called on the local government units to encourage school participation in sports competitions. He said that sports can help students learn the importance of discipline, resilience and teamwork.
“You serve as exemplars of excellence, integrity and sportsmanship by showing your peers and your fellow Filipinos the result of your discipline, your training, your hard work and the many sacrifices you had to make to make it here today,” the Chief Executive said.
Marcos concluded his speech by inviting all Filipinos to watch the games and cheer for their favorite teams. He said that he is confident that many of the participants will one day be competing in international competitions.
“I’m certain many of our participants here one day, we will be watching in international competitions, as we have become a force in terms of international sports and these kinds of events,” Marcos said.
The 2023 Palarong Pambansa is being held in Marikina City, the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines,” from 29 July to 5 August. The games feature over 9,000 student-athletes, coaches and officials from all over the Philippines.