The spirit of competition was in full display when hundreds of youngsters showcased their skill and talent on the track in the inaugural National Push Bike Championship Saturday morning, Sept. 21, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Organized by KC46, the push bike event, which was joined by local and international riders, aims to encourage Filipino children in trying sports so they can be active and healthy.

“So we want to create awareness for the sport. Because na-notice namin 'yung mga kids nowadays, mahilig sa YouTube. Nandun lang sila sa screens. Sa harap ng TV, sa harap ng iPad,” said Cristalle Belo-Pitt, owner of Kick 2 Pedal.

“And the parents don't know na may ganitong nangyayari. So by mounting a national push bike race. We want to create awareness that there is an activity like this,” she added.

Push biking, also known as balance biking, is more than just a sport — it’s a developmental tool that teaches children essential life skills such as balance, coordination, discipline, and focus.

The sport is popular in countries like Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Indonesia, which Belo hopes will happen in the Philippines in the near future.

“We're trying to level up the skills and the pushbike community dito sa Pilipinas. So this is the first ever push bike race. And that's why naisip namin it has to be in a very monumental location, which is the Quirino Grandstand,” she added.

Aside from good benefits to health, it also improved the bond of parents to their kids.

“Can you imagine? So from 2 years old all the way till 8 years old, pwede na sila ma-involve. Nakakatuwa because parents love it. It's an activity na pwede nilang gawin kahit saan,” she continued. 

“Sa bahay, sa park, sa garahe. So bike lang ng bike yung mga bata. So the kids, the parents are getting involved,” she continued.