Monday, March 10, 2008 Hontiveros, PSC chairman tells SAC awardees to value education and discipline By Marian C. Baring Sun.Star Staff Reporter
VALUE education and make the best out of opportunities to succeed.
This was the message of both Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and Cebuano basketball hotshot Dondon Hontiveros for the athletes during the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) San Miguel Corporation All-Cebu Sports Awards at the Laguna Garden Café last Saturday.
In an inspirational speech, Hontiveros told athletes that anyone could achieve what he had achieved. It will, however, not be handed to them on a silver platter because success is always determined by hard work.
Hontiveros added that the athletes have all the support group they need—supportive parents, schools that provide them with everything from equipment to coaches and trainers willing to sacrifice their time to work for the athletes’ improvement.
“I had all those and I made use of them. However, it is still up to you if you want to make it,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros told the athletes that he was not born an extraordinary athlete, but worked hard to be one.
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the word ‘extra’. Spend extra hours to work on your skills and your attitude,” said Hontiveros, who in his younger days, spent every waking hour and every spare time honing his skills.
This was seconded by Ramirez, who added that athletes should also never take education for granted.
“If you have gone to school, you would have more confidence. If mauwaw ka, you will not succeed. If you compete abroad, a medyo-medyo performance will not work. You need to exude confidence,” Ramirez added.
While Ramirez commended the parents and coaches for raising stars, he posed a challenge to the coaches.
“If you become a coach, you have to be attentive. If you cannot control or keep your athletes in line, then don’t be a coach,” Ramirez said. “If your athletes fail, I will hold you coaches, personally responsible.”
“Being in sports is a serious business because one day these young athletes will assume the posts of parents and coaches. If they fail now, what will happen when they become coaches and parents,” Ramirez said.
