January 22, 2025
Families enjoy a day of fun during Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines’ third sports fest
By Dorothy Castro
On January 18 (Saturday), nursery and preschool students had a memorable and lively morning participating in games and exercises at the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines’ third sports fest at the St. Theresa’s College covered court in Quezon City.
The annual sports fest allowed busy parents to create treasured memories with their children and build connections with fellow parents.
For first-time attendees Joanne and Mark Fang, quality time with their son Matthew will always be a priority.
“It strengthens our bond as a family, and we spend more time with each other,” said Joanne. They were all smiles during the event as they competed in the different games prepared by the preschool faculty and staff.
The 20 families, grouped into four teams (Sunshine, Chillis, Blue Dolphins, and Green Warriors) showed off their teamwork and energy in the three specially made games packed with hurdles that will challenge one’s creativity.
From an obstacle course with tire-pulling and a sack race to passing eggs and completing puzzles and reciting Jing Si aphorisms, parents and students did their best to win while also having fun.
The most anticipated game was the tug-of-war, which brought out the competitiveness of the teams in pulling the rope in their team’s favor. Students, parents, even teachers, and staff dedicated their best efforts to winning as high-spirited cheers surrounded the covered court.
The event’s theme, “Unity and Belongingness,” highlighted the goal of the program: to help parents and students connect with one another, fostering camaraderie and a joyful community.
“The Tzu Chi family has grown bigger,” parent Lalaine Ong observed. This being their second time to attend the sports fest, her son Lance found it just as fun, while she also had the chance to interact with fellow parents. “It is a different setting, and there are games; you also get to see how your child interacts with other kids and parents,” Ong added.
These moments are exactly what the preschool looked forward to in creating these events. As preschool teacher Mary Ann Rodriguez, better known as Teacher Ann, recalls, “For this sports fest, our goal is to unite the parents. Of course, they're all different. We want them to bond, not just with their family members, but with other parents as well.”
“We're making core memories here, and I support what Tzu Chi is doing,” said Mark Fang.
This sports fest was truly a testament to Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines’ mission of fostering a community rooted in great love. Each parent’s joyous interactions and the new talents and skills they discovered as they bonded with their children were truly one of a kind.
On January 18, Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines held its third annual sports fest at the covered court of St. Theresa’s College in Quezon City.
Medals were prepared to celebrate each student’s milestones for the sports fest.
Students’ participation is recognized by the faculty, through these certificates acknowledging their time and effort during the sports fest.
The team called “Blue Dolphins” work together in making the ideal banner.
A student puts her best effort in drawing a dolphin for their banner.
A student channels his inner creativity, decorating the banner with his and his classmates’ names.
Teams proudly showcase their team cheers, along with their handmade banners.
A mother-and-daughter duo competes in the sack race portion of the game.
Students take turns in playing a game of shoot-the-ball, as part of their first relay game.
Games are also incorporated with pieces of wisdom through the Jing Si aphorisms that the students recite as they complete the colorful puzzle.
Teachers and staff members also participate in the tug-of-war.
Teams put their best effort in the game of tug-of-war.
Teams put their best effort in the game of tug-of-war.
Teams put their best effort in the game of tug-of-war.
Students admire the medals and certificates they received during the sports fest.
Team Green Warriors celebrate their win as champions, acquiring the most wins throughout the games.
Team Blue Dolphins happily receive recognition, winning as first runner-up in the sports fest.
Team Sunshine smiles as they receive the second runner-up win during the sports fest.
Team Chillis ties with Team Sunshine for second runner-up.
Mark Fang (left), Joanne Fang (right), together with their son Matthew (center) happily pose for a photo during the family sports fest.
Parent Lalaine Ong (left) spends quality time with son Lance (right) during the family sports fest.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines faculty, staff, parents, together with Tzu Chi volunteers and Tzu Chi Youth volunteers, share their greetings, welcoming the new year.