Opening Ceremony of Palarong Pambansa 2023 07/31/2023

Marikina Sports Center, Marikina City
July 31, 2023
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially declared the games open when he graced the opening ceremony of Palarong Pambansa 2023 at the jampacked Marikina Sports Center in Marikina City on July 31, 2023.
“This administration believes in the transformative power of sports, not only in improving one’s strength and agility, but also in building their character and discipline. I urge the Department of Education to keep harnessing the talents and sportsmanship of our student-athletes. Continue to leverage your reach and resources to provide them with the support, training and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed,” the President said in his keynote address.
Returning after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s largest youth sporting event involving elementary and high school student-athletes is spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd) under the leadership of Vice President and concurrent DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte.
Approximately 9,172 athletes, coaches and officials from 17 regions are participating in 34 disciplines taking place from 29 July to 5 August 2023.
“I also call upon our local government units to encourage school participation in sports competitions. Let us motivate more students to engage in physical activities so that they will learn the significance of grit and resilience in the realization of their goals. Along with this, they will foster discipline, accountability and teamwork, all of which are crucial for their personal, social and professional growth,” President Marcos Jr. urged the local government officials.
He encouraged Filipinos to watch the games and cheer for their favorite teams and players who will one day become the nation’s future athletes and leaders, and will bring pride and honor to the Philippines in both the national and world stage.
“To our student-athletes, coaches and trainers: your dedication to sports is both inspiring and remarkable. You serve as exemplars of excellence, integrity and sportsmanship by showing to your peers and your fellow Filipinos the result of your discipline, training and hard work…We have complete faith that you will all emerge victorious against the challenges in the playing field, in your academic work and in the journey of life,” President Marcos Jr. stated.
The 63rd edition of the Palarong Pambansa bears the theme, ‘Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag.’
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