“Sports play a vital role in the development of our nation’s youth–not only on the physical aspect but in their overall character-building as well. The youth must look up to people who have achieved success in sports and emulate the good be characteristics they possess,” DepEd Undersecretary for Administration Alain Pascua said.

Led by the Bureau of Learner Support Service-Youth Formation Division and School Sports Division of the Administration Strand, the virtual sports conference aims to inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes as they get to interact and listen to the messages of Filipino Olympians who brought honor and glory to the country in the recently concluded 2020 Games in Japan.

First-ever Philippine Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz; pole vaulter finalist EJ Obiena; and Paralympic swimmer Gary Bejino shared their respective athlete journeys and send their message of encouragement to learners.

Meanwhile, silver and bronze medalist-boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial; and gymnastics finalist Carlos Edriel Yulo also shared their Olympic experiences in Tokyo.

Diaz and company can be remembered as the most successful Olympic delegation of the Philippines since 1924 after bagging one gold, two silvers, and one bronze in the Summer Games.  

The sports con will likewise heighten the enthusiasm of learners in anticipation of the opening of classes and give importance to being academically excellent while performing well in competitive sports.