By: Jeric V. Rey
Masbate National Comprehensive High School

Discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and respect — these are the values we aim to instill in our learners through sports. In pursuit of these goals, the National Training of Sports Club Facilitators on the Teaching of Sports-Specific Skills, held from October 7 to 11, 2024 at the City of Baguio, brought together sports facilitators from Regions IVA, IVB, V, and NCR to explore various disciplines including DanceSport.

Amid the cold mountain air, the relaxing scent of pine trees, and the dancing fog, participants were immersed in the training experience. They watched trainers demonstrate precise dance steps, practiced their routines, and moved gracefully, feeling connected to both the environment and the sport.

DanceSport has recently become a regular sport in the Palarong Pambansa and it serves as a powerful platform for learners’ holistic development. It goes beyond mere dancing as it requires understanding movement, rhythm, and coordination. The sport demands discipline to master complex routines and teamwork so that partners can synchronize their steps effectively. Learning DanceSport is a gradual process that requires perseverance from both athletes and coaches. Moreover, the dynamic relationship between the man who leads and the lady who follows teaches mutual respect, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication.

This emphasis on values aligns with the goals of the Department of Education (DepEd) in its sports programs. The training aimed to equip sports club facilitators with the skills and knowledge needed to teach sports like DanceSport effectively. The Sports Club was conceptualized in response to a key finding that many learners lack opportunities for physical activities that are essential for their health. The club’s purpose is to encourage learners to engage in sports, explore their interests, and enjoy the experience. It focuses not only on identifying talents but also on developing sports skills and providing opportunities for physical activity while embracing the beauty and joy of sports.

Through relevant initiatives like the DanceSport training, we hope to create an avenue for physical engagement that promotes fitness and consequently imparts valuable life skills.

In the final analysis, sports are more than a form of recreation; they are a foundation for learners’ growth, building skills and character that will benefit them throughout their lives. Indeed, the National Training in Sports Club marks the beginning of creating these opportunities, paving the way for a healthier, more disciplined generation.