In an inspiring display of courage and boundless spirit of youth, the EmpowerHer Girls Got This Futsal Tournament took place on December 7, 2024, at the Basketball court of Brgy. Catmonan Dulag Leyte. This remarkable event served as a platform for 44 young girls from Dulag National High School (DNHS) and Cabacungan National High School (CNHS) to break barriers and showcase their talents.
The tournament was designed to create a safe and supportive environment where girls from diverse backgrounds could come together, learn from one another, and engage in teamwork and collaboration. Through each game, the participants honed their futsal skills and developed critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and self-belief. The power of play in this context cannot be overstated, as it fosters a sense of community and encourages girls to believe in their limitless potential.
In addition to the futsal matches, the tournament featured a quiz game with questions derived from previous mentorship sessions. This engaging activity provided an opportunity for the girls to test their knowledge and celebrate their learning achievements. Prizes were awarded to the winners, further motivating the participants to engage actively.
After the games concluded, Team DNHS D emerged as the overall champion of the EmpowerHer Girls Got This Futsal Tournament. They were closely followed by Teeam CNHS A, who took first place, and Team DNHS A, who secured second place. Individual accolades were also presented, highlighting exceptional talent and performance. The Mythical Five Awards recognized outstanding players, with Kimberly and Suzain from CNHS being honored as the Best Defenders. The Best Forwards included Janna from CNHS and Simea from DNHS, while Rosianette from DNHS was celebrated as the Best Goalkeeper. Christine from CNHS received the Golden Boot award for her remarkable scoring ability.
Asked about the impact of being a part of GGT and attending sessions, Rosianete, 15, answered, "I learned a lot being a part of this project. I was able to improve my physical and mental well-being. The sessions taught me so much about important topics like menstruation and teenage pregnancy." With her sights set on the future, Rosianette aims to turn her passion for futsal into a scholarship opportunity. She's ready to kick goals both on and off the field!
Additional awards were presented to recognize qualities that transcend the game itself. DNHS B was given the Fair Play Award, DNHS C received the Positive Influence Award, CNHS B earned the Resilience Award, CNHS C was honored with the Sportsmanship Award, and DNHS D celebrated their Team Spirit Award. These acknowledgments not only celebrated athletic prowess but also the values that sport instills, reinforcing the tournament's mission to empower and uplift young girls.
Every kick, pass, and goal during the tournament represented a significant step towards promoting gender equality in sports. By empowering these young girls to take the field and compete with confidence, the event highlighted the importance of equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender. The tournament is a movement that seeks to inspire girls to dream big and to encourage others in their communities to do the same.
As we reflect on the achievements of this day, we are reminded of the incredible potential within each of these young girls. Through initiatives like the EmpowerHer tournament, we continue to advocate for highly vulnerable youth, using the transformative power of sports to pave the way for a brighter future.
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