Davao Mission SDA Elementary Schools Academic Games and Sports Fest
DCSDAES Gym, Palm Drive, Bajada, Davao City | Al Ray Lazado
DAVAO CITY, Philippines (March 12, 2026) — The campus of Davao City Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School filled with the sounds of laughter, focused quiet, and cheering Thursday as students from across Davao del sur and Davao City gathered for the Davao Mission SDA Elementary Schools Academic Games and Sports Fest.
Held on 5 Palm Drive in Bajada, the daylong event blended athletic competitions with academic challenges. The goal was to develop students' physical strength and intellectual skills while encouraging less time on screens.
The theme, "Purposeful Play, Excellent Minds, Christlike Hearts – Shining for Christ," set the tone for a day centered on building character as much as competing.
Participating schools included the host, Davao City SDA Elementary School, along with Royal Valley SDA Elementary School of Davao Mission, Inc., located in Bangkal, Davao City Branch, [cl1] and its two Digos City campuses: Rizal Avenue, Digos City Branch and San Jose Highway, Digos City Branch.
Students from Rizal Avenue, Digos City Branch[cl2] were among the first to arrive, pulling into the parking lot as early as 5:30 a.m. with sleepy but excited faces.
The day began with a short worship service, reminding everyone that the real prize was not a trophy but the chance to grow in teamwork, discipline, and faith.
Morning activities moved from the lively Play for Fun challenge to the hush of the spelling bee and Bible quiz, where young scholars thought carefully before giving their answers.
By afternoon, the campus came alive with the squeak of sneakers and cheers from volleyball and basketball games. Inside, the energy was just as intense but quieter, as students leaned over Scrabble and chess boards, thinking several moves ahead.
Teachers said the mix of sports and academics gave every child a chance to shine, reflecting the Adventist approach to educating the whole person.
The day ended with tired but happy students packing up to go home, carrying not just medals but new friendships and the memory of a day where learning, play, and faith came together.
