LAST June 25, a book that chronicled the first 100 days of the pandemic that affected our athletes, coaches, and sports personalities was launched.
The book is “Winning Still” through the genius of collaborations among different individuals anchored on Ateneo de Davao University’s (Addu) Coach Noli Ayo and RockEd Philippines’ Ms. Gang Badoy.
Almost all of the Winning Still writers connect with Coach Noli and Ms.Gang in one way or another. And these connections were solidified during the pandemic, thanks to the MWF online sessions.
I still have to secure myself a copy of this book, but I am fortunate to know and have met some of the writers virtually. And indeed, with all the fears and anxiety brought about by the pandemic, they were able to come out with something significant and meaningful to capture the experiences of everyone amidst the pandemic.
Winning Still is resiliency in its solid form. And with twenty-seven individuals writing how they overcame the first 100 days of the pandemic, one can pick a thing or two from the book and apply it in their response system, even after this pandemic is over.
Keeping together in this moment of human history is very important. We draw strengths from one another and lift one another. It is what humanity should be. And this book’s goal is this.
In a chit-chat with Coach Noli before the book launch, he shared his excitement about this book and how he found “ikigai.” I recall “ikigai” -- the reason for being, a Japanese concept of having direction or purpose in life. We should all be seeking our “ikigai.” The why’s of going to work, our interests, and all the things that we consider meaningful.
“Winning Still” was probably an “ikigai” for all authors and the team involved in its production.
We can seek purpose, and we never know it until we look back and connect all the dots leading to where we are at the moment. To the authors and everyone behind Winning Still, congratulations, and may you have inspired more to search for their own “Ikigai.”
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” - Kobe Bryant
(For copies of Winning Still, you may contact Coach Noli Ayo thru his FB Page.)