Del Rosario: Olympics

LAST March 14, 2019, I was invited as the guest speaker at the Tesda-sponsored Skills Olympics for the various industry trades. A number of technical and vocational schools, as well as universities, sent their contestants together with their trainers.

Winners get to compete on a regional, national, and international level. That was something I learned that day. I am happy that skills are honed up thru competition.

Proverbs 22:29 says, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings, not before obscure men.”

The Olympic motto of “Citius, Altius, Fortius” which is Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” has been an inspiration to many since the founding of the Olympic Committee in 1894.

Does one get skills from joining competitions? I would say from experience that one enhances skills in any field by the preparation he or she puts in prior to the competition itself. We all know how long and hard athletes prepare for that ten second, one minute, or 30 minute event. Fighters prepare for months and years, just for 3 or more rounds in the ring.

Actual competition simply “forces” one to go the “extra mile” or pushes one to the limits. One’s best is usually achieved in the face of tough competition.

Is it all about winning? For many, it gives a sense of fulfillment. In fact, our society looks up to champions, 1st placers, and gold medalists. Names of champions, and valedictorians are remembered. Seldom is there name recall for silver medalists and salutatorians. I was the latter in my high school graduating batch, and I think many of my batch mates remember the 1st placer only.

After every competition, we hear the speakers “consoling” the “losers,” with phrases such as, “it is not only in winning, but in participating, and in giving your best,” etc., that matters. Well, I had the opportunity to prepare the contestants for that, BEFORE the events.

Truly, when one has prepared long and hard, and has given one’s best, there is no room for regrets. One leaves the event fulfilled, even if not victorious. But for the champion who did not give his best to win, and coasted on to victory, the sense of fulfillment is less. Often times, said types of victories can only cause some victors to be proud and at times, even arrogant.

Thus, it is all about the preparation and honing of one’s skills that truly matter.

In all that we do... “Prepare. Prepare. Prepare”.

“For God in all we do. Be the best we can be.”

My dearest children,

Yes, it is not all about winning. It is about preparation and giving one’s best.

Remember that, “Achievements will be surpassed. Records will be broken. Tributes will be forgotten. In the end, only Character remains.”

Be a humble victor. And be inspired and gracious when you face defeat.

There is no room for regrets, when you have given your best.

It is not always about being No. 1, but it is always about being the best you can be!