Manila: Lanao del Norte is set to host the first-ever Mindanao Youth Games next year, an event that will see participation from thousands of young athletes aged 18 and below, representing 33 cities across six Mindanao regions, with a guest team from Timor Leste.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) announced in a news release that the event is scheduled for April 11-17, 2027. It will be held at the Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod and will feature a range of 12 to 15 sports. These include football, athletics, swimming, basketball, volleyball, archery, tennis, combat sports, and weightlifting.
Lanao Del Norte provincial administrator Lyndon Calica, representing Governor Mohamad Khalid, emphasized the significance of the event. 'The Mindanao Youth Games will showcase the best of our young athletes and position Lanao del Norte as a hub for sports tourism. Hosting this event is not just about competition; it is about peace, development, and giving our youth a platform to shine.'
The Mindanao Civic Center, spanning 66 hectares, is recognized as one of the country's top sports venues, having hosted the 2023 Palarong Pambansa. It boasts a FIFA-certified football pitch, a World Athletics-standard track and field oval, an Olympic-size swimming pool with an additional 25-meter training pool, and a 5,000-seater gymnasium for basketball and volleyball. Specialized areas for archery, tennis, combat sports, and weightlifting are also part of its facilities.
In collaboration with the PSC and the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA), the province is expanding the site to include a baseball and softball diamond.
Additionally, PSC chairman John Patrick Gregorio and Commissioner Matthew Gaston recently visited the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, along with Lanao del Norte Rep. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo and Calica. They toured the facility, which includes state-of-the-art amenities such as dormitories.
Gregorio highlighted the purpose of NAS, stating, 'The NAS is designed to nurture the finest grassroots athletes and prepare them to become medal-winning national athletes. Replicating such a facility in Mindanao will give young athletes from the region the same opportunities to reach their dreams without having to leave home too early.'
