FINANCIAL CHALLENGES IN SPORTS

December 9, 2024 Educator's Corner

Julia L. Bangcado

Sports are activities that involve physical exertion and skill, allowing individuals to learn the techniques of a particular game. Engaging in sports can help develop self-discipline and cultivate wisdom. The journey in sports typically begins with school intramurals, district athletic meets, provincial athletic meets, CARAA meets, and culminates in the Palarong Pambansa. The Benguet Provincial Athletic Meet is held annually to support students in expanding their horizons beyond the confines of the classroom, fostering a balance between academic and physical development. This event is usually funded by the municipal government in partnership with the Department of Education.

In the recent Benguet Provincial Athletic Meet, the Kibungan district which is represented by 114 elementary athletes and accompanied by 37 coaches, co-coaches, and chaperones, while there are at least 134 secondary athletes and accompanied by 38 coaches, co-coaches, and chaperones. Due to the event being held twice this year, the municipal government of Kibungan faced challenges in financing the delegation’s uniforms, meals, and transportation. While the local government committed to providing funds for meals, the athletes and coaches had to cover the costs of uniforms and transportation.

To address the financial needs of the delegation, William A. Alodos, the President of the PTA Federation and a sports enthusiast retired from Kibungan National High School, initiated a solicitation effort that raised a total of 29,860.00 pesos from 14 copies of solicitation papers distributed. Other coaches also took the initiative to seek support from sports enthusiasts and stakeholders in the community.