THE first time I heard of Van Halen Parmis, the first image that got into my mind was that of an old cartoon character, a parody of the god of thunder who wields a guitar, not a hammer. With a name like that, you can’t help but be amused and associate rock star status and attitude, especially since he’s connected with the best collegiate team in this side of the country.
But when I met him for the first time, during one of the functions of the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission, I was impressed by the humility of the coach who has started one of the most impressive sports programs in the country. And I don’t say that often, having seen sports programs come and go.
You see, what started as a simple clinic many years ago to celebrate his birthday has resulted in a Fiba record for the biggest 3x3 basketball tournament. And it’s all because of Van Halen.
The whole SMS Boystown sports program started because of him. He organized a basketball clinic together with some of his players and after seeing the potential of the place—imagine, some 3,000 students housed in a big facility that not only has 40 basketball courts, but also a swimming pool, football field and other areas for other sports.
Since his wasn’t a myopic vision, he invited other coaches from other sports to conduct their own clinics too, while the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission also got involved. And thus was born the SMS Boystown sports program, which now includes athletics, swimming, football and weightlifting.
Others who have seen the school were in awe at the potential. Cebu Weightlifting Association president Felix Tiukinhoy also saw what Van Halen saw, a pool of raw athletes ready to be molded.
Less than five years after starting that clinic, Van Halen took a team to the Pambansang Tatluhan tournament and did so well that he and his team got the attention of Chooks to Go, whose president promised monthly support of P100,000 to the programs of both Boystown and Girlstown. With so many students, there is ample room for growth. Those who may not have the skills set for basketball, football, track or swimming may excel in others. Tennis, table tennis, martial arts or what have you.
What I like about private individuals getting into the act is the potential for change that this program can achieve. All these sports and training also give the students that chance to snag an athletic scholarship in college, and I believe that’s their target. Give a child an education and you make him a champion for life.
And this—not the world records, medals and trophies—are the ultimate goal of Van Halen and the sisters running the school. It isn’t mentioned often, but this was relayed to me. The sisters welcome these sports inputs because it’s a tool for change.
Five or 10 years down the road, you are going to have potentially thousands of SMS alumni who would be gainfully employed and ready to give back to the school that has given them so much. Why do I know that? Because I’ve also seen how athletes from a Boys Home tend to organize themselves to give back.
And I hope this is what will happen to Boystown too, and we all have that rockstar coach to thank for this.