By Willim Agda
Young athletes from across Lanao del Norte gathered for the Kapatid Congressional Lanorte Kids Duathlon 2024, a competition combining running and biking designed to “promote fitness and sportsmanship among children” aged 7 to 15.
The event, organized by the Office of Representative Mohamad Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo of the 1st congressional district of Lanao del Norte, featured age-based categories and tested participants’ endurance and determination. Children completed a series of running and biking segments through the streets of Sultan Naga Dimaporo.
Community leaders, local officials, and residents cheered on the athletes, creating an energetic atmosphere. The event also provided a platform to encourage youth participation in sports and foster a healthy lifestyle among the younger generation.
The duathlon is part of a broader effort to expand access to athletic programs in Lanao del Norte. Historically, rural areas in the region faced challenges in providing youth with sports opportunities, but recent initiatives aim to address these gaps.
Organizers highlighted the importance of sports in teaching teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. They emphasized plans to host similar events to sustain the momentum and further develop young athletes in the province.
Participants and spectators alike celebrated the success of the event, with many expressing optimism about the growing interest in sports and fitness in the community.