MANY have doubted his leadership skills in uplifting the sport of track and field. But he did not let setbacks to keep him from moving forward.
Instead, he rose above all the challenges and started to accomplish what others thought was impossible.
Airnel Abarra, a former track and field athlete, thought that his love and interest for the sport are enough to achieve his dreams.
He learned the ropes of the sport at an early age.
During his grade school days, Airnel tried his luck in athletics but he didn't pursue it as there were better and skilled tracksters than him.
After earning his degree in Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Major in Social Studies at the Laguna State Polytechnic University, Airnel also enrolled in the Master of Science in Human Movement Science program at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Human Kinethics.
Many doubters told him that he can't pass the standards of education at UP. Some even urged that he should just give up his dreams.
He used the negative things about him as a motivation to continue and prove them wrong.
Airnel is currently a part-time faculty of the History and Political Science Department at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) and at the same time leads the athletics program of the university.
Airnel originally hails from San Pablo City in Laguna but transferred here in Davao City after an opportunity opened for him to lead Ateneo's athletics team.
"I saw the pitiful situation of Ateneo athletics that's what prompted me to come here," Airnel told SunStar Davao in an interview via Facebook.
The effective program of athletics in the international scene served as Airnel's framework of the programs that he has implemented in the city.
"I saw the effectiveness of their programs and I thought the local athletes will benefit from it," the 33-year-old eldest son of Aguilanio, a bus driver, and Sally, a housewife said.
Airnel has organized numerous athletics programs that include the regular Blue Knights Track League. He had also been to Europe to witness world track and field championships.
Airnel said he does not rely funding from the national sports association (NSA) and local government units (LGUs).
"If you want to to start something, don't wait, start it. Tell and share it to those who believe and trust you. Be consistent and stay true with your programs. Not for sake of financial gain but to develop our athletes," he said.
Although, there are also obstacles such as fundings, lack of manpower and support, and stereotyping of the sport, he instilled in his mind the need to provide exposure and develop young athletes.
When asked how he overcome those challenges, Airnel replied: "We try our best to find true people. Through telling the stories and convincing people to believe in program and not clashing with the policy makers makes it better."
"By constant communicating, not stopping to meet with people, spending time with them. We allow the athletes to tell and share their stories online," he added.