HIGHLIGHTING our year in sports were women athletes who showcased their talents in different competitions they engaged in.
The Fiba 3x3 World Cup held at the Philippine Arena crowned Janine Pontejos as the champion of the shootout contest besting her Russian and Croatian counterparts in the side event of the competition. Her win may have just been the foretelling of how our women athletes will fare in the succeeding competitions.
In the Asian Games the gold medal hauls were spearheaded by Hydilyn Diaz (weightlifting), Yuka Saso & Co. (golf) and Margielyn Didal (skateboarding). Truly, these Pinays have transcended from the stereotypes about them which are heavily ingrained in our psyche.
Alongside these women were several individuals as well, that even with their physical limitations, rose to the challenge and proved themselves worthy of our respect and support. In the Asian Para Games, para-swimmer Ernie Gawilan came up with the gold in men’s 200m individual Medley. Alongside his triumph were Kim Ian Chi (bowling) and the chess team for the gold medal hauls in the Para Games.
It might be high time for our sports leaders to consider this Christmas wish. Our elite athletes have been enjoying the support they have been getting. We might need to start actively thinking of giving the same level of support for more sports development programs, for women, the differently-abled and the indigenous peoples. They are just as good as our regular athletes.
In retrospect, may their shared triumph and stories inspire more young Filipino boys and girls, even those in the margins, to follow their path of glory for flag and country.
Season’s Greetings! Game On!