Empowering 50 Student Athletes in the Philippines

Game officials converged for the Visayas leg of the 2018 National Volleyball Referees Congress last May at Foundation University.

The biennial gathering is geared towards the continuing education of umpires in officiating volleyball games so as to refresh knowledge on existing rules, impart update on new rules and amendments pertaining to existing guidelines, and to acquire uniform application and interpretation of rules.

Inputs on scoring mechanics and proper line judging were given to the participants in order to ensure the smooth and proper conduct of games in their respective localities.

This year, the Institute of Youth Sports for Peace of Foundation University served as host to the event as a manifestation of Foundation University’s commitment to the development of sports and recreation for the youth, as part of its contribution to nation-building.

In this connection, the athletes who were enrolled in the summer sports training program became engaged with the said activity. They experienced firsthand how games are conducted by trained umpires along with the introduction of new rules and regulations for the volleyball games.

The experience also gave an opportunity for the athletes to refresh the proper scoring and technical aspects in the gameplay.

Tournaments, whether outside the province or within the immediate community, are geared towards building friendships and camaraderie among fellow athletes. This is also an opportunity for trained athletes, especially from Foundation University, to share tips in real game plays.

After all, the University’s philosophy towards sports and tournaments is not all about winning and becoming champions. It is also a means of learning, outside the four walls of the traditional classroom, for the student athletes who after their college degree will soon embrace the real world of work not just as professional athletes and for some, may become coaches. But this is also for those who will not pursue a career in sports. There are values learned in the process of training and competitions namely: discipline, character-building and perseverance.

Moreover, sports tournaments and other engagements like training of aspiring athletes, especially held outside the University, provide opportunities to promote the culture of sports – an essential activity for the young people in this country.

Along with sports, the promotion of health and wellness among communities is at the heart of Foundation University’s programs and thrusts as an educational institution geared towards the development of the mind and the body.

The upcoming summer sports program is held to cater the community children and adults who may want to avail of sports trainings and recreational activities that encourage the body to move and be utilized for a better health and for a longer life.

Indeed, the University and its athletes are not only aiming to become champions in tournaments and plays here and elsewhere but they are also aspire to champion in areas of promoting the culture of sports, health and wellness to the community.