Remember the Filipino sports greats
EVERY 1st of November rings a bell for all Filipinos to remember and reminisce the greatness of their departed love ones, keeping the desire to be with them in a moment that will cover their thoughts of the lives and exploits of their departed.
Likewise, remembering those greats that made Philippine sporting at par with other countries will be tantamount to helping our athletes to be inspired in pursuing the best in their field of sports. While every athlete is endowed with the determination to compete and excel in their field, the athlete’s desire to win over his opponents is what makes the world of sports exciting and wonderful.
To the Filipino sports greats, to keep in shape is an endeavour that requires Spartan regimen a proper frame of mind and consistent and tedious training. But just like other human beings, they too are impervious to all negative human emotion when they entered the arena to pit their skills against equally worthy opponents.
Winning was the primary aim in their participation to competitions, however, it is also an important thing that they recognize the talents and skills of their worthy opponents because it is the recognition of their rivals abilities that made them greater.
Fame and fortune were then the rewards of the Filipino greats like Pancho Villa (boxing), Antonio Arazala (cycling), Julita Tayo, Adolfo Feliciano (marksmanship), Ellias Ordiales (Jockey), Rodrigo Del Rosario (weight lifting),
Anthony Villanueva (1st Filipino Olympic silver medallist), Ben Arda (Golf), Arturo Pagsisihan (baseball), Lauro Mumar (basketball), Gabriel “flash” Elorde (boxing), Adriano Torres Jr. (badminton), Carlos Loyzaga (basketball), The “ISLANDERS (1st Philippine basketball team to the Berlin Olympics, 1936), and other Filipino sports greats reaped not only for themselves but for the Philippines.
As these top athletes knew adversities, they were not discouraged; instead, the obstacles spurred them all the more to greater heights. They reached the pinnacle of success but their achievements made more humble than before.
It is to their credit, however, that they conquered not only apprehensions but their foes as well. Their sweat and stamina were more than compensated for by the lusty cheers and the numerous gleaming trophies they earned, and the selfsatisfaction of having won now serves as an inspiration to the new Filipino athlete.