Vinluan: Sporting with Masa and Hiko

THEY train them young! Part of our trip to Kobe, Japan aside from visiting the famous Peace Park and museums, and walking through the “ historical temple walk” in appreciation of old Japan, was the sight of the wonders of modernization.

Time bounded, I had the chance to visit Kobe YMCA, what was the sight of a rather old building outside, was a surprisingly highly modernized facility inside, from swimming pool, to the bodybuilding gym is not comparable to what we have here in the local YMCA.

The sophisticated equipments gave me something to dream of, to have someday. However, what caught my attention was how they conduct their physical education and sports programs, cutting the story short I have five questions in mind “W’s” and an “H”, fortunately my questions were answered, “ train them young”. Simply I have to sweat the details.

Spending a few days at the Hisanaga residence, I met Masa and Hiko boy twins of Liza Hisanaga a Filipina friend who accommodated us before our trip back to the Philippines. Like all other boys, Masa and Hiko at twelve are exuding with energy and curiosity, they love eating, and playing games, etc., but will never miss their Saturday football (SOCCER) game at the Kobe City Minatojima Elementary School grounds.

For Masa and Hiko, what started as a fun game taught by volunteer parent instructors in school since their second grade now became an exciting and challenging sport at age twelve. Their selection of soccer as their primordial sport interest besides table tennis that they occasionally play is a showing of their pre-adolescent characteristics.

Meaning, those that are general or basic of all human being and those that is specific to their age span. Aside from the encouragement of their mom and other parents, Soccer to Masa and Hiko is a real interest as shown by their excitement whenever play day comes.

For Masa and Hiko, their training in soccer provides them the opportunity to enjoy the creative use of leisure time. Pursuing their interest with peers. Develop their leadership capacities. Achieve personal goals where their talents and skills are developed. Form good health habits and physical fitness, discover and prepare for a worthy vocation, and understand and appreciate what a strong family can contribute to their development.

Generally the message was clear “train them young” is the key for our Kids holistic development of mind, body, and spirit.

To Masa and Hiko “ domo arigato gozaimasu”.