"on a shoestring"

I was looking at the kids and I can’t explain what’s going on in my heart, I think it would be better to say it in Tagalog, “nakaka-antig ng damdamin” (it broke my heart, pierced my soul).

Young Wrestlers from QC during the Batang Pinoy Games Makati City (NCR leg)

Champion Wrestlers in their own right

I was surprised to know that these kids are delegates from Quezon City for the Wrestling tournament at Batang Pinoy NCR leg. I thought they are just from the baranggay where the games are being held, wanting to see the games. Turns out they are young wrestlers. (I was quick to judge…tsk tsk tsk)

I forgot that I’m covering the grassroots level, the future of the Philippine sports scene- Batang Pinoy.

These kids are just having fun, playing and wrestling among themselves during the lunch break when we arrived at the venue.

FROM PIGGERY TO TRAINING GYM

Backtrack 2 days ago, Lito Oredo, a friend who is also covering the event told me about their coach- Coach Violeto Agustin.

Coach Violeto “Bullet” Agustin story brought goosebumps- he transformed the old piggery in their backyard in Bagong Silang, Quezon City to a wrestling gym where these kids can be taught some basics of gymnastics then wrestling. He has been training young kids in his backyard since 2008. Because of that pure passion and love for the sports of wrestling, Coach Bullet was able to hone 3 Philippine Team members- Alvin Lobregeto, Noel Norado (wrestling) and Noemi Tener (rowing).

Even with a makeshift gym and a donated mat from Wrestling Federation of the Philippines (WAP) Coach Bullet continues to train little talents. If you really love the sports, money is not an issue, lack of equipment are seen as a challenge to overcome not a dead-end to discourage you. 

I asked how about the singlet/uniform that your kids wear (they share among themselves singlets)? Coach Bullet told me that those are his old uniforms when he was still part of the Philippine team for Wrestling (1991-2008). Again, the SHOES SHARING at Dumaguete City scene was brought back to mind (I held back my tears, trying to distance myself from the reality that it should not be like that).

 If you really love the sports, money is not an issue, lack of equipment are seen as a challenge to overcome not a dead-end to discourage you. 

FROM THE GYM TO CHAMPIONS

Coach Bullet told me that Batang Pinoy is a big help for the kids. It discovers and produces players-the kids will be proud of their achievement as they compete in a regional level. This is what should really happen, even while still young, we must support them.

QC Wrestlers Champs, proud of their medals

CHAMPIONS

They swept the medals in almost all weight division and category. Indeed, this kids are champions not only in wrestling but also in their life. I’m excited on how they will perform in Naga City for the Batang Pinoy Finals and maybe 5-10 years from now competing on SEA Games or Asian Games (maybe in Olympics).

Before I left the wrestling venue, I tried to ask 3 of his 18 wrestlers “why did you joined wrestling:

Albert Marquez- Gold medalist, freestyle event

Albert Marquez, 15 years old

“Masarap sumali sa wrestling at saka trip ko lang po.”

April Samadio- Gold medalist, freestyle event

April Samadio, 12 years old

“Para po maging scholar sa college at makatulong sa pag-aaral.”

Sabrin Guingona- Silver medalist, freestyle event

Sabrin Guingona, 14 years old

“Para po makapunta sa ibang bansa at lumaban ng wrestling. At saka po makakuha ng scholarship sa college.”

___ ___ ___

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)