Bohol — The Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) brought the Abante Grassroots Sports Clinic to this municipality on June 27, 2026, gathering 130 children for a day of athletics, basketball, football, and softball. The event turned a quiet town into a vibrant training ground for the next generation of Boholano athletes.
A Full Day of Play and Purpose
Sixty‑three girls and sixty‑seven boys, all aged between eight and twelve, arrived eager at the municipal grounds. Coaches from the BUGSAY Program and local sports volunteers divided the children into groups and led them through drills that sharpened fundamentals while keeping smiles wide. The goal was not to create instant champions but to plant seeds of discipline and a love for movement.
The program, Harnessing New and Advanced Sports Skills (HANAS), is PYDO’s flagship initiative to bridge grassroots participation with high‑performance athletic development. By bringing structured training directly to municipalities, the province eliminates travel barriers and taps talent that might otherwise remain undiscovered. Each child left the clinic with improved skills, new friends, and the belief that their athletic dreams matter.
Discipline, Teamwork, and Sportsmanship
Beyond physical training, the coaches emphasized core values that transcend sport. In every huddle, they spoke about respecting teammates, listening to instructions, and shaking hands whether you win or lose. The children practiced not just footwork and shooting but also how to encourage a struggling peer and celebrate others’ successes.
These lessons form the backbone of the HANAS Program, which views sports as a vehicle for character formation. PYDO Head Metodio Maraguinot Jr. has long championed the idea that grassroots sports produce not only better athletes but also more responsible citizens. The clinic in Dagohoy reinforced that vision, with parents watching from the sidelines and applauding the positive atmosphere.
Equal Opportunities for Girls and Boys
The nearly balanced participation of girls and boys reflects the province’s commitment to inclusive sports development. Young female athletes took to the basketball court and football field with the same intensity as their male counterparts, cheered on by coaches who gave equal attention and encouragement. The softball sessions, in particular, saw strong participation from girls, opening pathways into a sport where Bohol has shown growing strength.
Organizers noted that empowering girls through sports builds confidence that carries into their academic and personal lives. The clinic provided a safe, supportive environment where every child could explore their potential without fear of judgment. The smiles on the girls’ faces as they hit their first pitch or scored a goal spoke louder than any statistic.
Building a Sports Tourism Destination
The clinic is part of Bohol’s broader push to position the island as a premier sports tourism destination under the Bohol Island Geopark banner. By nurturing homegrown talent, the province aims to host regional and national competitions that draw visitors and stimulate local economies. Dagohoy’s clinic is one of many slated across municipalities, each creating a network of active, engaged young athletes.
The provincial government’s Strategic Governance Roadmap anchors these efforts, linking sports, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development. As more children join the HANAS pipeline, the dream of seeing a Dagohoy native on the national podium becomes increasingly realistic. The Abante Grassroots Sports Clinic is the first step in a journey that could take these young athletes anywhere.
