"on a shoestring"

I began the second day of Batang Pinoy by visiting the PSC Track Oval at the Teacher’s Camp. This track is familiar because I’ve ran here once and this is always shown on TV whenever Cong. Manny Pacquiao goes to Baguio to train, you can find him running here.

I saw some of our National Athletes teaching the delegates the proper way to play the game. I was smiling as kids are learning something important, right straight from those who are already competing on the international level. Will talk about this more in my next article.

Inspiring eh? But wait there’s more… These reason why we are having the Batang Pinoy- when young kids like Hassan and Hussein are given the opportunity to compete on a regional and national level. The experience will definitely teach them lessons in their respective sports but more so in life- triumph, defeat and self-discipline.

Here’s a snapshot I got during the 2nd heat of the men’s 400m dash:

Hassan & Hussein unabated by their taller & faster opponents

I was surprised but then I can see them enjoying the 400m oval. Obviously, no one forced them to join the competition. They just wanted to run, to play.

I asked their father, Abdul Palma (former junior member of Judo National Team back, 1999-2001) who was with them during the event, “Why did you let them join the run?” Abdul said, “When I woke up, they are already on their running attires. So I just brought them with their older brother, Yusseff” at 11years old who is also running at 1,500m event.

Parental support during the Batang Pinoy games helps a lot.

Adbul, Hassan (617) & Hussein (618) Palma

After the 400m dash, I was talking with Hassan and Hussein, intrigued on their reason for joining:

Hussein says, “Gusto ko lang po. Gusto ko maging part ng athletics lalo na sa 3,000m.” (I just want to. I want to be part of athletics- I like the 3,000m event)

Hassan was a bit shy, “Di ako makaisip eh, mamaya maglalaro kami ng football.” (I can’t think of any reason, later I will plat football)

From their very mouth, you can see that its just play for them. But I know after maybe 5-10 years they will look back in this experience and smile and say to thank the PSC who gave them the opportunity to show their talents. In fact, Hussein even got the 3rd place on the 2nd heat of the men’s 400m. Beating a taller competitor at the last 30meters.

Hussein's finishing kick during the second heat of 400m dash

Hussien is 20minutes younger to Hassan but he is faster. Their father Abdul who is originally from Cotabato City also added that when Cong. Pacquiao runs at the track oval these twins run with him too. I envy them now! They also join fun runs here in Baguio City. That’s there favorite distance- 3K.

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Batang Pinoy Games 2011  is a grass-roots development program organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to identify young talents to be trained for the national pool of athletes. Mindanao leg was hosted by Zamboanga City (Oct 17-30); Visayas leg was hosted by Dumaguete City (Nov 10-13); Northern Luzon leg by Baguio City (Nov 24-27); Southern Luzon by Sta. Cruz City (Dec 4-7); NCR leg (Nov 29 – Dec 2); and the Finals will be held at Naga City on December 10-13, 2011.

Official website: Batang Pinoy 2011

Facebook Page: Batang Pinoy (PSC Grassroots Program)