The City Sports Development Division (SDD) of Davao City is expanding its grassroots summer sports program, Aktibo Dabawenyo, to provide more athletic opportunities closer to communities. Young Dabawenyos are now stepping onto mats, courts, and open waters this summer as the program offers a series of free sports clinics for children aged 8 to 16.
Program Overview
Originally launched in 2020 as an online health and wellness initiative during the pandemic, Aktibo Dabawenyo has evolved into a citywide grassroots sports movement. The program aims to develop future athletes by reaching underserved communities and identifying young talents who may represent Davao City in regional, national, and international competitions.
Michael Denton P. Aportadera, head of the City Sports Development Division, emphasized the program's focus on accessibility. "Instead of asking children from the barangays to travel to Poblacion to join events, seminars, and clinics, we bring these opportunities directly to them," Aportadera told the Davao City Information Office (CIO) in the vernacular. "Most especially for children who have no means of experiencing these sports, we want them to have that opportunity," he added.
Summer Clinic Lineup
This year's summer lineup features clinics in martial arts, football, and water sports in partnership with local sports organizations.
Judo Clinic
The judo clinic runs from April 9 to May 28 at the Barangay Mintal Gym every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It is conducted in partnership with the Southern Mindanao Judo Association.
Kurash Clinic
The kurash clinic is being held from April 10 to May 28 every Tuesday and Thursday at the Barangay Daliao Gym through the Davao Kurash Sports Association.
Futsal Clinic
The Barangay Futsal Clinic runs from April 13 to May 29 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in several venues, including Catalunan Grande Elementary School Gym, Phase 2 NHA Bangkal Covered Court, Barangay Indangan Gymnasium, Sto. Rosario Court in Buhangin, Calinan Proper Gymnasium, and Mintal Gymnasium. The clinic is conducted in partnership with the Davao-South Regional Football Association Inc.
Water Sports Clinic
For water sports enthusiasts, the kayak, stand-up paddleboarding, and Dragon Boat Clinic takes place every Saturday and Sunday from April 18 to May 31 at Kalayaan Beach Resort in Daliao in partnership with the Davao City Paddling Association Inc.
Community Impact
Jason Laguesma, president of the Southern Mindanao Judo Association, said the program teaches more than athletic skills. "Sports like judo help develop bravery, strength, and respect among children," Laguesma said in the vernacular. He also encouraged parents to support their children's participation in sports, saying athletics can open doors to future opportunities.
"We are thankful to the City Sports office for this opportunity because this is the first time we joined the Aktibo Dabawenyo program," he said. "We invite Dabawenyos to try sports like judo, and we encourage parents to involve their children."
