Aspirant Mayor Roy Ga, alongside the United Iligan Party, showcased his dedication to improving the sports development sector in Iligan through his active participation in a significant basketball game held in Barangay Tibanga. This event wasn’t merely a display of athleticism; it was a profound demonstration of the power of sports in fostering unity, discipline, and talent development within the community.
The basketball game was held with the purpose of boosting not just physical health but also the mental and emotional growth of the youth. Chairman Ga emphasized the importance of sports in helping young individuals develop life skills that will aid them both on and off the court. It was a celebration of how physical activity can bring people together, reduce social barriers, and provide an avenue for youth to channel their energy into productive endeavors, rather than engaging in negative activities like substance abuse.
“Sports are more than just competition; they are a platform for building character and instilling values such as teamwork, hard work, and perseverance,” said Roy Ga. “I believe that through consistent sports programs, we can help empower the youth, giving them opportunities to excel in various aspects of their lives while also promoting good health and well-being.”
The basketball event in Barangay Tibanga was the first of many planned initiatives aimed at nurturing athletic talent and encouraging the younger generation to engage in healthy, positive activities. By fostering sports development, Ga hopes to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and other harmful behaviors that have, in some areas, contributed to the challenges the youth face today. The game was also an opportunity to showcase the latent talent within the community, with many local players displaying their skills, some of whom could potentially pursue careers in professional basketball with the right training and support.
Moreover, the event drew in not only the youth but also the local community, including parents, coaches, and former athletes, who all came together to support the players. This showed the power of sports in uniting different generations, all working towards the same goal of fostering a healthier, more active community.
As the game progressed, Chairman Ga was seen actively cheering for the players, motivating them to give their best while acknowledging the efforts of both the winning and losing teams. His presence was a symbol of his commitment to supporting not only the physical aspects of sports but also the mental and emotional well-being of the individuals involved. He has always believed that athletes who are supported, encouraged, and nurtured are more likely to overcome adversity and excel in their chosen field.
Chairman Ga’s initiative doesn’t stop at basketball alone. The vision for sports development in Iligan goes beyond a single event or a single sport. Ga’s broader plan includes the establishment of community-based sports programs, the construction of more sports facilities, and the creation of training centers for aspiring athletes. These programs will cater not just to basketball, but to a variety of sports, ensuring that all children and young adults in Iligan have the opportunity to participate, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
A vital component of Ga’s sports development plan is providing the youth with the mentorship and discipline needed to succeed. He recognizes that discipline in sports often translates to discipline in life. In turn, this discipline can shape young people into individuals who are more capable of making sound decisions, succeeding in their studies, and being productive members of society. Sports teach them the importance of dedication, the ability to handle pressure, and the value of teamwork—all of which are crucial life skills.
Through his leadership, Chairman Ga hopes to inspire more young people to pursue sports, not only for the benefits it provides to their physical health but also for the sense of belonging and purpose it brings. He envisions a city where sports are not just seen as extracurricular but as a vital part of the community’s culture.
Additionally, Ga has expressed his intentions to collaborate with local schools and universities to create a more formalized pathway for talented young athletes to receive coaching, scholarships, and professional guidance. By doing this, he aims to give these young athletes the necessary resources and opportunities to reach their full potential. He believes that by investing in the youth through sports, Iligan can not only produce future champions but also develop a more resilient, well-rounded generation capable of taking on the challenges of tomorrow.
The significance of this initiative is clear—it is not just about playing games, but about building character, fostering community, and providing young people with the tools they need to succeed. Through sports, Chairman Ga hopes to address some of the pressing issues that face the youth in Iligan, such as substance abuse, lack of direction, and poor health, by offering them an alternative path that leads to growth and success.
As the basketball game came to a close, the excitement in the air was palpable, and the participants, regardless of the score, were filled with a sense of accomplishment. The victory was not just in winning the game but in bringing the community together for a common cause: the betterment of Iligan’s youth through sports. With the success of this event, Chairman Ga is more determined than ever to continue his efforts in making sports development a cornerstone of his leadership in Iligan. The road ahead is long, but with the support of the people, Ga is confident that he can transform the sports landscape in Iligan, one game at a time.