Having observed that the young are spending too much time playing online games and so little playing the real-life ones, officials of the local government and education bureau in Valenzuela City have launched a weekend baseball league.

For 12 Saturdays, the more than 2,400 Grade 3 public school pupils participating in the Valenzuela City Little League’s first season will learn the basics of baseball, for boys; and softball, for girls. The four districts in which the schools have been divided will compete among each other in another four Saturdays. Sessions at the Central and North Districts will take place on October 17 on the grounds of 16 schools.

Rovin Andrew Feliciano, First District Councilor, who oversees the Central and North League Districts ( Tyson Sy, Second District Councilor, is at the helm of the East and South League Districts), said not only will the league give children a break from their sedentary lifestyles but help them develop positive values.

For instance, the first lesson, as prescribed in the baseball module titled “Becoming a Better Person through Baseball,” introduces participants to the sport as well as hones camaraderie among them.

“Marami nang hindrance sa buhay ng mga bata tulad ng computer games, tablets, et cetera, computer applications, kaya nagkakaroon ng problem sa values formation ng mga bata  (Children now are preoccupied with computer games and gadgets that they sometime form the wrong values), ” said Feliciano.

In addition, the league provides parents and children an opportunity to strengthen their bonds, Feliciano said, as each participant is required to come to the sessions together with a parent. Schools with at least 75% parent attendance will be rewarded with sports equipment showcases.

Ultimately, the league should teach children how to lead balance lives, making time each for school, play, and family, Feliciano said.