The Palarong Pambansa is the country’s main platform where future professional athletes, Olympians and servant-leaders are honed and discovered, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
At the opening ceremony for the 64th Palarong Pambansa, Marcos Jr. said the annual multi-sport event among the Filipino youth is more than just an inter-school and inter-regional competition.
“Of the five hundred forty-one athletes competing in this year’s Palarong Pambansa, I am certain [that] many will become record holders and champions in their respective fields, not only at the national level but I’m sure, also internationally,” the President said in his speech at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Marcos Jr. also noted that this year’s Palarong Pambansa is “particularly special because it marks many firsts.”
He cited the debut participation of athletes from the National Academy of Sports and Philippine Overseas Schools.
“Dance sports will become a regular feature of these [games], a fitting tribute to Cebu, which is one of the most active cities and provinces in the dance sport competition. We also have Soft Tennis, Karatedo, Football for Secondary Girls, and E-sports — all of these are set to make their debut as exhibition sports in this year’s Palaro,” the chief executive added.
Marcos Jr. said the national sporting event will see the integration of technology in web platforms, social media, game statistics, and live streaming.
“It will not only connect [these] games to families and fans around the world but also provide valuable data that we can use to improve [our] performance in future competitions. This occasion holds enormous significance beyond just sports.
“Let this week-long competition showcase not only the mental and physical fortitude of our athletes, but also the fortitude and strength of the Filipino heart and the Filipino spirit,” he also said.
The 2024 Palarong Pambansa is scheduled from July 6 to July 17.IMT
