Drop-out Margielyn’s advice to fans: Stay in school
CEBU CITY – Her decision to leave school to pursue her passion for skateboarding may have paid huge dividends, but MargielynDidal reminded her young fans that dropping out of school should never be an option in achieving one’s dreams.
In front of a boisterous crowd that included former school mates, teachers, friends and family, Didal stressed the importance of education during her homecoming Tuesday at Lahug Elementary School.
“It’s okay if you idolize me, it’s okay if you follow in my footsteps but never follow what I did when I stopped schooling because I wanted to become a great skateboarder. Do whatever it takes to achieve your dreams but do not take your studies for granted,” she
said in Cebuano.
Didal was given a hero’s welcome in her return from the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia where she won the gold in the women’s street skateboard event.
The motorcade ended at Lahug Elementary School, where Didal studied until Grade 7.
In a short program at the school’s gymnasium, former teachers congratulated Didal and also gave her advice.
“We were against your decision to stop schooling, and now that you have finally achieved your goal, please stay rooted and please find a way to get back to school. One day, you will realize how important education is,” one of her former teachers said.
Didal nodded while listening to the advice.
Talking to reporters after the program, Didal revealed that she plans to enroll in a course under the Alternative Learning System. “I am going to finish my studies,” Didalsaid.
Her parents Julie and Julito were overwhelmed by the huge crowd that showed up to meet their daughter.
“We never imagined that she was going home to this huge crowd. We are thankful for the support,” said Julie.
Patrick Gregorio, secretary general of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), said Didal will get a total of 16 million for winning gold in the Asian Games.
The POC and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will each give 12 million. The Siklab Foundation of business mogul Dennis Uy and Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Lee Hiong Tan also pledged to give 11 million each, Gregoriosaid.
The Cebu City government is also giving Didal 1300,000.
Aside from the cash rewards, POC will also help her prepare for the 2020 Olympics.
“The POC as well as the PSC and her sponsors like New Balance will provide Didal training assistance from nutrition to sports psychology,” said Gregorio.
Gregorio said Didal will resume training after the celebrations.
“She has to stay focused. There is a bigger goal, there is the Olympic gold and she knows that very well. The reason why I am here so that I can talk to the family, to the parents, explain to them competition, the schedule so that we can help Margielyn stay focused. All these celebrations are important to promote the sport, and of course to give Didal the recognition she deserves,” he said.
Didal may train in Hong Kong or United States for an Olympic qualifying tournament in Brazil in January. The top 20 entries in that tournament will qualify to the Olympics.
Gregorio said Didal showed that with hard work nothing is impossible.
“Anybody can win if you put your heart to it. If you have the passion, you can win. I met her six months ago, I asked her ‘will you win?’ She did not even think twice, she didn’t blink when she told me “support me sir because I will win.” She really has the heart of a champion right from the start,” said Gregorio.
Didal said her achievement will pave the way for her dream to give her family a better ilfe.
“That’s my motivation. I really wanted to help my family. I had my shortcomings. My passion for skateboarding had caused conflicts between my me and my father. There was a time when I answered him back and I stowed away. I joined a competition then I returned home and gave my cash prize to my parents and apologized to them,” she said.
Didal said she is also hoping that her victory will help change how the people see skateboarding.
“They see us as an eyesore on the streets. Security guards shoo us away when we practice in open grounds. In fact, I had a weird feeling during the motorcade because before, traffic enforcers apprehend us but this time, they were the ones clearing the road for me,” said Didal.
Didal’s victory also served as an eyeopener for government officials.
Gregorio said it is time for sports leaders to focus on other sports especially those that are less expected to deliver medals in international tournaments.
“It is a golden opportunity to support new sports especially those that attract the young people. Like skateboarding which is a new sport in Asian Games and in upcoming Olympics, you can play it anywhere. This is not an expensive sport. It can be done so this has to be supported,” Gregorio stressed.