from my Manila Standard column 10-01-10
I was nice to see Coach Baby Dalupan at the Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps awards night last Wednesday. Physically, he’s frail and needed much assistance. But the fight is still there. The passion for basketball still burns deep.
I was hesitant to even greet him with the throngs of well-wishers surrounding him. I figured I’ll just wait when he’s settled. But it wasn’t till near the end of the program, which I hosted with Ed Picson and Quinito Henson, that I was able to approach him.
Before the Virgilio Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year award was handed to Coach Ryan Gregorio, I was tasked to approach Coach Baby to hand him the microphone for his speech. He couldn’t see much, I don’t think. I held the microphone up to him and despite seemingly not having enough strength to hold the microphone up by himself, he still managed to deliver an eloquent speech, thanking the PBA Press Corps and congratulating the Coach Ryan.
He also made mention of Coach Tim Cone. Mr. Fred Uytengsu, Alaska team owner, received the Executive of the Year award so Coach Baby took the opportunity to congratulate them on their 25th anniversary. Coach Baby went on to share that he was always afraid of coaching against Tim Cone because he knew Cone had his number and could beat him. Coach Tim is the 2nd winningest coach in the league, after the Maestro himself.
After his speech, I took the opportunity to chat with him and asked if he still remembered me! I was surprised and thrilled that he did! “Of course Patricia! How’s Vince?”. It just kept echoing in my head. I honestly felt special. I’m a commoner admiring a basketball demigod.
We had a very nice conversation about how he still follows the games and that he’d like to know why there are trades that were allowed to happen. He mentioned Asi Taulava and how he felt the trade was not fair. He also can’t understand why certain franchises allow themselves to be conduits in transactions between sister teams. I don’t know if that had always been in his mind or if that was ignited by the hard-hitting, brutally honest speech by Mr. Uytengsu about how Alaska always played by the rules, unlike…… (that’s another column) (Great speech sir Fred!)
More than the chitchat on controversies, he also congratulated me on the work that I’ve done. He asked when he’ll hear me anchor again, more than just courtside and that he thinks I’m doing a great job. By this time I was floating on air… Those were music to my ears simply because he’s the MAESTRO! He knows his basketball and for him to appreciate my work made me feel good. (Sorry to boast, I need a dose of humility here) (okay I’ll stop)
All in all, I was just amazed at how sharp he still is and how vocal he can still be. I promised I’d visit him and his lovely wife real soon since we were just neighbours. I’ve been meaning to but I just never wanted to intrude. Now I have an invitation. And I have a feeling when I do visit, we’ll talk about trade rumors, league developments and how it was done during his time. Looking forward to it!
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TAULAVA, WILLIAMS TO POWER UP GILAS
From my Manila Standard column 09/24/10
There’s a new chapter in Asi Taulava’s career, and it looks to be an electrifying one. He now joins the Meralco Bolts squad via a 6-man, 3-team swap. And this only means one thing, no more glitches when he needs to power up the Smart Gilas squad. At least not for Coach Bo Perasol and the Powerade Tigers.
It’s been a concern whether it was fair for any PBA squad to “loan” their player to the national team when the whole point of forming Gilas was so they don’t have to rely on the pro players and disturb the league’s schedule. The PBA now has returned to a 3 conference format, which was trimmed to 2 conferences back in 2004 under the leadership of Commissioner Noli Eala.
When Asi expressed his interest to join the Smart Gilas practices and to even join them in the Stankovic Cup, it was a disturbing issue for the Coca Cola Management to tackle. They had every reason to be worried about their prime player getting injured, thus putting their bid in the coming season at risk. And if he were to get injured, there was the question of which team would cover the finances. It was just a highly delicate matter.
The Philippine Olympic Committee gave the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas a deadline last Wednesday to submit their 12-man roster for the Guangzhou Asian Games this November. It included Taulava and Talk and Text player Kelly Williams. It’s not as difficult for management to lend out Williams with Manny V. Pangilinan owning the team, and now being in Meralco, it will be just as easy for Taulava.
“We would’ve missed his services anyway so we opted to just get someone else. They’ll be joining more tournaments so it’s better for us this way. Instead of hurting the team without Asi, we just found a different solution”, shared the Tigers’ mentor.
Powerade released Taulava to get Rob Reyes and their 2013 draft pick. Also going to the Barako Coffee Masters is Ken Bono who was released by the team. Barako then traded Taulava to Meralco for Jason Misolas and Khazim Mirza. (update: Coach Junel Baculi revealed to me today that Mirza never arrived in Barako. Misolas and Bono have practiced but they never got Mirza)
Yesterday, Rob Reyes, nephew of former PBA player turned sportscaster Eric Reyes, already attended the Tigers’ practice at the Moro gym in Ateneo. “I feel really blessed to be here, this is very exciting”, he shared.
Coach Bo also noted that immediately, they saw how instrumental Reyes would be to the team’s defense. He was strongly recommended by Assistant Coach Alex Compton who has always admired him for his work ethic. “Robbie’s the type to play hard, give his all, and he knows his role in the team”, added Coach Alex.
After Williams and Taulava, Smart Gilas might also be getting Rain or Shine Elastopainter Solomon Mercado. They originally wanted to get James Yap but with his recent nose operation and personal matters he needs to attend to, he opted to turn down the offer to represent flag and country.
Sol Mercado has always been on Coach Rajko Toroman’s short list specially after this great performance in the last season. This is still pending whether he can still be included in the roster, after they already gave in their pool of 18 players whom they can get their roster and replacements from.
But what are your thoughts about the PBA lending its pro players to the Smart Gilas squad which was formed so that they need not rely on the PBA? Tweet me on www.twitter.com/patriciahizon
There’s a new chapter in Asi Taulava’s career, and it looks to be an electrifying one. He now joins the Meralco Bolts squad via a 6-man, 3-team swap. And this only means one thing, no more glitches when he needs to power up the Smart Gilas squad. At least not for Coach Bo Perasol and the Powerade Tigers.
It’s been a concern whether it was fair for any PBA squad to “loan” their player to the national team when the whole point of forming Gilas was so they don’t have to rely on the pro players and disturb the league’s schedule. The PBA now has returned to a 3 conference format, which was trimmed to 2 conferences back in 2004 under the leadership of Commissioner Noli Eala.
When Asi expressed his interest to join the Smart Gilas practices and to even join them in the Stankovic Cup, it was a disturbing issue for the Coca Cola Management to tackle. They had every reason to be worried about their prime player getting injured, thus putting their bid in the coming season at risk. And if he were to get injured, there was the question of which team would cover the finances. It was just a highly delicate matter.
The Philippine Olympic Committee gave the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas a deadline last Wednesday to submit their 12-man roster for the Guangzhou Asian Games this November. It included Taulava and Talk and Text player Kelly Williams. It’s not as difficult for management to lend out Williams with Manny V. Pangilinan owning the team, and now being in Meralco, it will be just as easy for Taulava.
“We would’ve missed his services anyway so we opted to just get someone else. They’ll be joining more tournaments so it’s better for us this way. Instead of hurting the team without Asi, we just found a different solution”, shared the Tigers’ mentor.
Powerade released Taulava to get Rob Reyes and their 2013 draft pick. Also going to the Barako Coffee Masters is Ken Bono who was released by the team. Barako then traded Taulava to Meralco for Jason Misolas and Khazim Mirza. (update: Coach Junel Baculi revealed to me today that Mirza never arrived in Barako. Misolas and Bono have practiced but they never got Mirza)
Yesterday, Rob Reyes, nephew of former PBA player turned sportscaster Eric Reyes, already attended the Tigers’ practice at the Moro gym in Ateneo. “I feel really blessed to be here, this is very exciting”, he shared.
Coach Bo also noted that immediately, they saw how instrumental Reyes would be to the team’s defense. He was strongly recommended by Assistant Coach Alex Compton who has always admired him for his work ethic. “Robbie’s the type to play hard, give his all, and he knows his role in the team”, added Coach Alex.
After Williams and Taulava, Smart Gilas might also be getting Rain or Shine Elastopainter Solomon Mercado. They originally wanted to get James Yap but with his recent nose operation and personal matters he needs to attend to, he opted to turn down the offer to represent flag and country.
Sol Mercado has always been on Coach Rajko Toroman’s short list specially after this great performance in the last season. This is still pending whether he can still be included in the roster, after they already gave in their pool of 18 players whom they can get their roster and replacements from.
But what are your thoughts about the PBA lending its pro players to the Smart Gilas squad which was formed so that they need not rely on the PBA? Tweet me on www.twitter.com/patriciahizon
THE 3 CONFERENCE FORMAT: A GRAND SLAM
From my manila standard column, Sept. 17, 2010
The PBA Board of Governors will be going to Bangkok for their annual out of the country meeting in preparation for the 36th season which kicks off on October 3, Sunday, at the Big Dome. This meeting was supposed to take place a few weeks ago, in Hong Kong, but because of unforeseen circumstances, the Board deemed it wise to postpone it, and to change venue.
The many changes already set to take place is keeping the PBA fan community abuzz this pre-season. One of the major things to look forward to is the league’s return to a 3 conference format.
The first conference will be the longer, traditional, Philippine Cup where the 10 teams will be divided into 2 groups and will have 14 games total in the eliminations, playing their group mates once, and the other group contenders twice. This is set from October 3 to maybe February 6. There will be a Christmas day game, then there will be a break till January 4.
The 2nd conference is the Commissioner’s Cup, held from February 20 till about May 15. The proposal is that the imports will have a 6’4” height limit. This will just be a single round elimination, and the bottom 4 teams are immediately eliminated.
The All Star Week will be set on the week of May 20th, with the venue still to be determined and approved.
The Governor’s Cup will be held just a week after the all-stars and the competitions will be possibly till August 19 of 2011. There will be a handicapping system that will be applied to determine the allowable height limit of their import. The proposal states that based on their team season standings after the eliminations of the 2nd conference, the top 4 teams’ imports will be limited to 6’2”, the next 4 will have a 6’4” limit, while the last 2 teams’ imports will be at most 6’6”.
Fans have expressed their excitement over the 3 conference format. Here are some of the reactions via twitter:
@atletajericho: Let's face it, fans buy tickets on games featuring BGK, SMB, BMeg, Alaska, and TNT. The 3 conference format matches these teams up more. Also, more playoff games, semis games, and finals games. Total of 21 possible Finals games compared to 14.
@salad_oh: 3-conference format is way better because it will boost gate attendance since there will be more playoff games.
@chasemeTIN: more games to watch and no non-bearing games to play.
@NardyM: I just wish the return to the old format does bring back the fans. The possibility of a Grand slam gives more prestige also.
@batangKury3nt3: Perhaps the most challenging path of the of team to achieve - Grandslam; 3 straight championships in one season!
@mjmangila: For me 3 conference is better because teams have more chances to win a title and for me we have chance to see again a grand slam
@digitalsuperman: It’s good for the league because it would mean more gate receipts and more games for TV coverage thus more income for the PBA.
@demonbear247: I can see why they go for 3. People have short attention spans. The league has to keep things fresh and exciting.
@perc3ptions: 3-conference format means lesser games in the elims, therefore will somehow bring the elimination games level to playoff standards.
@ko_aiks: More exciting games, less no-bearing games and we'll be able to see some major major upset when the lower ranked team gets to beat the top seeded team! no more automatic semis slots for the top 2 teams so there'll be no reason for coaches to say that they loss the series because of the long lay-off.. I'm excited for the upcoming PBA season.. Can't wait!
@Alvin_Louis: 3-conference format gives teams a chance to build & showcase a dynasty. Shows how a team performs in 3 different settings 3x a year.
@jaredchua3: The shorter conferences will make every game a little more exciting. Every game suddenly becomes more crucial.
@cho831: more games to watch. More imports to look forward to. Better chance 4 d weaker team. In short, more of everything.
@iammonry: more playoffs games :) . every game is like a championship game. the shorter the better.
For more of your thoughts, go to www.twitter.com/patriciahizon
The PBA Board of Governors will be going to Bangkok for their annual out of the country meeting in preparation for the 36th season which kicks off on October 3, Sunday, at the Big Dome. This meeting was supposed to take place a few weeks ago, in Hong Kong, but because of unforeseen circumstances, the Board deemed it wise to postpone it, and to change venue.
The many changes already set to take place is keeping the PBA fan community abuzz this pre-season. One of the major things to look forward to is the league’s return to a 3 conference format.
The first conference will be the longer, traditional, Philippine Cup where the 10 teams will be divided into 2 groups and will have 14 games total in the eliminations, playing their group mates once, and the other group contenders twice. This is set from October 3 to maybe February 6. There will be a Christmas day game, then there will be a break till January 4.
The 2nd conference is the Commissioner’s Cup, held from February 20 till about May 15. The proposal is that the imports will have a 6’4” height limit. This will just be a single round elimination, and the bottom 4 teams are immediately eliminated.
The All Star Week will be set on the week of May 20th, with the venue still to be determined and approved.
The Governor’s Cup will be held just a week after the all-stars and the competitions will be possibly till August 19 of 2011. There will be a handicapping system that will be applied to determine the allowable height limit of their import. The proposal states that based on their team season standings after the eliminations of the 2nd conference, the top 4 teams’ imports will be limited to 6’2”, the next 4 will have a 6’4” limit, while the last 2 teams’ imports will be at most 6’6”.
Fans have expressed their excitement over the 3 conference format. Here are some of the reactions via twitter:
@atletajericho: Let's face it, fans buy tickets on games featuring BGK, SMB, BMeg, Alaska, and TNT. The 3 conference format matches these teams up more. Also, more playoff games, semis games, and finals games. Total of 21 possible Finals games compared to 14.
@salad_oh: 3-conference format is way better because it will boost gate attendance since there will be more playoff games.
@chasemeTIN: more games to watch and no non-bearing games to play.
@NardyM: I just wish the return to the old format does bring back the fans. The possibility of a Grand slam gives more prestige also.
@batangKury3nt3: Perhaps the most challenging path of the of team to achieve - Grandslam; 3 straight championships in one season!
@mjmangila: For me 3 conference is better because teams have more chances to win a title and for me we have chance to see again a grand slam
@digitalsuperman: It’s good for the league because it would mean more gate receipts and more games for TV coverage thus more income for the PBA.
@demonbear247: I can see why they go for 3. People have short attention spans. The league has to keep things fresh and exciting.
@perc3ptions: 3-conference format means lesser games in the elims, therefore will somehow bring the elimination games level to playoff standards.
@ko_aiks: More exciting games, less no-bearing games and we'll be able to see some major major upset when the lower ranked team gets to beat the top seeded team! no more automatic semis slots for the top 2 teams so there'll be no reason for coaches to say that they loss the series because of the long lay-off.. I'm excited for the upcoming PBA season.. Can't wait!
@Alvin_Louis: 3-conference format gives teams a chance to build & showcase a dynasty. Shows how a team performs in 3 different settings 3x a year.
@jaredchua3: The shorter conferences will make every game a little more exciting. Every game suddenly becomes more crucial.
@cho831: more games to watch. More imports to look forward to. Better chance 4 d weaker team. In short, more of everything.
@iammonry: more playoffs games :) . every game is like a championship game. the shorter the better.
For more of your thoughts, go to www.twitter.com/patriciahizon
THE 3 CONFERENCE FORMAT: A GRAND SLAM
From my manila standard column, Sept. 17, 2010
The PBA Board of Governors will be going to Bangkok for their annual out of the country meeting in preparation for the 36th season which kicks off on October 3, Sunday, at the Big Dome. This meeting was supposed to take place a few weeks ago, in Hong Kong, but because of unforeseen circumstances, the Board deemed it wise to postpone it, and to change venue.
The many changes already set to take place is keeping the PBA fan community abuzz this pre-season. One of the major things to look forward to is the league’s return to a 3 conference format.
The first conference will be the longer, traditional, Philippine Cup where the 10 teams will be divided into 2 groups and will have 14 games total in the eliminations, playing their group mates once, and the other group contenders twice. This is set from October 3 to maybe February 6. There will be a Christmas day game, then there will be a break till January 4.
The 2nd conference is the Commissioner’s Cup, held from February 20 till about May 15. The proposal is that the imports will have a 6’4” height limit. This will just be a single round elimination, and the bottom 4 teams are immediately eliminated.
The All Star Week will be set on the week of May 20th, with the venue still to be determined and approved.
The Governor’s Cup will be held just a week after the all-stars and the competitions will be possibly till August 19 of 2011. There will be a handicapping system that will be applied to determine the allowable height limit of their import. The proposal states that based on their team season standings after the eliminations of the 2nd conference, the top 4 teams’ imports will be limited to 6’2”, the next 4 will have a 6’4” limit, while the last 2 teams’ imports will be at most 6’6”.
Fans have expressed their excitement over the 3 conference format. Here are some of the reactions via twitter:
@atletajericho: Let's face it, fans buy tickets on games featuring BGK, SMB, BMeg, Alaska, and TNT. The 3 conference format matches these teams up more. Also, more playoff games, semis games, and finals games. Total of 21 possible Finals games compared to 14.
@salad_oh: 3-conference format is way better because it will boost gate attendance since there will be more playoff games.
@chasemeTIN: more games to watch and no non-bearing games to play.
@NardyM: I just wish the return to the old format does bring back the fans. The possibility of a Grand slam gives more prestige also.
@batangKury3nt3: Perhaps the most challenging path of the of team to achieve - Grandslam; 3 straight championships in one season!
@mjmangila: For me 3 conference is better because teams have more chances to win a title and for me we have chance to see again a grand slam
@digitalsuperman: It’s good for the league because it would mean more gate receipts and more games for TV coverage thus more income for the PBA.
@demonbear247: I can see why they go for 3. People have short attention spans. The league has to keep things fresh and exciting.
@perc3ptions: 3-conference format means lesser games in the elims, therefore will somehow bring the elimination games level to playoff standards.
@ko_aiks: More exciting games, less no-bearing games and we'll be able to see some major major upset when the lower ranked team gets to beat the top seeded team! no more automatic semis slots for the top 2 teams so there'll be no reason for coaches to say that they loss the series because of the long lay-off.. I'm excited for the upcoming PBA season.. Can't wait!
@Alvin_Louis: 3-conference format gives teams a chance to build & showcase a dynasty. Shows how a team performs in 3 different settings 3x a year.
@jaredchua3: The shorter conferences will make every game a little more exciting. Every game suddenly becomes more crucial.
@cho831: more games to watch. More imports to look forward to. Better chance 4 d weaker team. In short, more of everything.
@iammonry: more playoffs games :) . every game is like a championship game. the shorter the better.
For more of your thoughts, go to www.twitter.com/patriciahizon
The PBA Board of Governors will be going to Bangkok for their annual out of the country meeting in preparation for the 36th season which kicks off on October 3, Sunday, at the Big Dome. This meeting was supposed to take place a few weeks ago, in Hong Kong, but because of unforeseen circumstances, the Board deemed it wise to postpone it, and to change venue.
The many changes already set to take place is keeping the PBA fan community abuzz this pre-season. One of the major things to look forward to is the league’s return to a 3 conference format.
The first conference will be the longer, traditional, Philippine Cup where the 10 teams will be divided into 2 groups and will have 14 games total in the eliminations, playing their group mates once, and the other group contenders twice. This is set from October 3 to maybe February 6. There will be a Christmas day game, then there will be a break till January 4.
The 2nd conference is the Commissioner’s Cup, held from February 20 till about May 15. The proposal is that the imports will have a 6’4” height limit. This will just be a single round elimination, and the bottom 4 teams are immediately eliminated.
The All Star Week will be set on the week of May 20th, with the venue still to be determined and approved.
The Governor’s Cup will be held just a week after the all-stars and the competitions will be possibly till August 19 of 2011. There will be a handicapping system that will be applied to determine the allowable height limit of their import. The proposal states that based on their team season standings after the eliminations of the 2nd conference, the top 4 teams’ imports will be limited to 6’2”, the next 4 will have a 6’4” limit, while the last 2 teams’ imports will be at most 6’6”.
Fans have expressed their excitement over the 3 conference format. Here are some of the reactions via twitter:
@atletajericho: Let's face it, fans buy tickets on games featuring BGK, SMB, BMeg, Alaska, and TNT. The 3 conference format matches these teams up more. Also, more playoff games, semis games, and finals games. Total of 21 possible Finals games compared to 14.
@salad_oh: 3-conference format is way better because it will boost gate attendance since there will be more playoff games.
@chasemeTIN: more games to watch and no non-bearing games to play.
@NardyM: I just wish the return to the old format does bring back the fans. The possibility of a Grand slam gives more prestige also.
@batangKury3nt3: Perhaps the most challenging path of the of team to achieve - Grandslam; 3 straight championships in one season!
@mjmangila: For me 3 conference is better because teams have more chances to win a title and for me we have chance to see again a grand slam
@digitalsuperman: It’s good for the league because it would mean more gate receipts and more games for TV coverage thus more income for the PBA.
@demonbear247: I can see why they go for 3. People have short attention spans. The league has to keep things fresh and exciting.
@perc3ptions: 3-conference format means lesser games in the elims, therefore will somehow bring the elimination games level to playoff standards.
@ko_aiks: More exciting games, less no-bearing games and we'll be able to see some major major upset when the lower ranked team gets to beat the top seeded team! no more automatic semis slots for the top 2 teams so there'll be no reason for coaches to say that they loss the series because of the long lay-off.. I'm excited for the upcoming PBA season.. Can't wait!
@Alvin_Louis: 3-conference format gives teams a chance to build & showcase a dynasty. Shows how a team performs in 3 different settings 3x a year.
@jaredchua3: The shorter conferences will make every game a little more exciting. Every game suddenly becomes more crucial.
@cho831: more games to watch. More imports to look forward to. Better chance 4 d weaker team. In short, more of everything.
@iammonry: more playoffs games :) . every game is like a championship game. the shorter the better.
For more of your thoughts, go to www.twitter.com/patriciahizon
SPORTS FOR PEACE
Sports for Peace
on my Manila Standard Column Sept. 10, 2010
One of the common goals of sporting meets is to promote peace and unity amongst the citizens of the region, and even the planet. Sports has the power to do just that. Throughout history, conflicts and differences are set aside once foes step on the sporting arena, and that’s the beauty of it. Take the Olympic Games for example. Part of its greatness is that it can it can make for a more utopian state.
Recently, a group has used sports to teach tolerance and understanding in the conflict-ravaged corners of the south, in Mindanao. Non-exposure to other cultures and beliefs, and perhaps lack of education can lead to intolerance of others, and later on could translate to hatred. Hatred could poison the citizenry and this at times leads to war.
200 children at the impressionable age of 10-12 years old from Northeast Mindanao came together in Butuan City to learn how to live in peace and be part of the peace process through sports. These children of indigenous and Muslim backgrounds are brought to Butuan get to experience playing alongside Christian children.
This is the dream of “Sports for Peace”. IT is made to address conflicts amongst communities and its people. The children they chose are from one of the poorest areas of Mindanao – Caraga. Over 53% of the residents there live below the poverty line, with most living in fear because of the presence of communist rebels.
Through the efforts of a German-based group called GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) group with the cooperation of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process or OPPAP, with the Department of Education and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del-Norte, Siargao and Dinagat Islands, they were able to engage and mobilize eight different schools from the region.
Participants were able to take up values through the sporting event and are given the opportunity to understand the culture of their Christian playmates. They were able to learn the “importance of respect, acceptance, and the cultures and faith traditions that are different from their own”, according to GTZ. Even the coaches and the parents that accompanied the children were also given peace exercises through various sports programs.
They mixed the kids; Christian, Muslim, kids from different areas and different
schools were put together in new groups. Harnessing teamwork was a bit of a challenge at first but eventually, it was the same camaraderie with their “new friends” that made the games special. Even the way they gave points or rewards was different. It was based on how well they “learn and practice the sports values, self control, fair play and respect”.
As GTZ aptly put it: “The children came to play thinking that they would compete for honor, but they experienced how much more fulfilling it is to play with honor”.
I write about this because this to me is so inspiring. With everything that’s going on in our country, with everything our children are exposed to – massacres and hostage takings – we have to more find inspiration from the good in our society. Congratulations to the Sports for Peace group. May your efforts be copied, and the results be multiplied.
For more great efforts such as this one, please tweet @patriciahizon or go to www.patriciahizon.blogspot.com
on my Manila Standard Column Sept. 10, 2010
One of the common goals of sporting meets is to promote peace and unity amongst the citizens of the region, and even the planet. Sports has the power to do just that. Throughout history, conflicts and differences are set aside once foes step on the sporting arena, and that’s the beauty of it. Take the Olympic Games for example. Part of its greatness is that it can it can make for a more utopian state.
Recently, a group has used sports to teach tolerance and understanding in the conflict-ravaged corners of the south, in Mindanao. Non-exposure to other cultures and beliefs, and perhaps lack of education can lead to intolerance of others, and later on could translate to hatred. Hatred could poison the citizenry and this at times leads to war.
200 children at the impressionable age of 10-12 years old from Northeast Mindanao came together in Butuan City to learn how to live in peace and be part of the peace process through sports. These children of indigenous and Muslim backgrounds are brought to Butuan get to experience playing alongside Christian children.
This is the dream of “Sports for Peace”. IT is made to address conflicts amongst communities and its people. The children they chose are from one of the poorest areas of Mindanao – Caraga. Over 53% of the residents there live below the poverty line, with most living in fear because of the presence of communist rebels.
Through the efforts of a German-based group called GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) group with the cooperation of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process or OPPAP, with the Department of Education and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del-Norte, Siargao and Dinagat Islands, they were able to engage and mobilize eight different schools from the region.
Participants were able to take up values through the sporting event and are given the opportunity to understand the culture of their Christian playmates. They were able to learn the “importance of respect, acceptance, and the cultures and faith traditions that are different from their own”, according to GTZ. Even the coaches and the parents that accompanied the children were also given peace exercises through various sports programs.
They mixed the kids; Christian, Muslim, kids from different areas and different
schools were put together in new groups. Harnessing teamwork was a bit of a challenge at first but eventually, it was the same camaraderie with their “new friends” that made the games special. Even the way they gave points or rewards was different. It was based on how well they “learn and practice the sports values, self control, fair play and respect”.
As GTZ aptly put it: “The children came to play thinking that they would compete for honor, but they experienced how much more fulfilling it is to play with honor”.
I write about this because this to me is so inspiring. With everything that’s going on in our country, with everything our children are exposed to – massacres and hostage takings – we have to more find inspiration from the good in our society. Congratulations to the Sports for Peace group. May your efforts be copied, and the results be multiplied.
For more great efforts such as this one, please tweet @patriciahizon or go to www.patriciahizon.blogspot.com
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