‘Ballying’ to success

 Nuki Sabio/PBA

The nation is now confronted with the seemingly long overdue issue of bullying in schools. Actually it had been so part of the system that even in my elementary years I was a witness to cases like these. Just that, it wasn’t given much attention since corporal punishment was still in effect so to speak.

In as much as it is a hot issue however, I would like to focus in on a cooler perspective – bullying against getting into sports. Being a MAPEH teacher specialized in Physical Education, I feel tremendously responsible for diverting learners’ attention to more productive endeavors rather than creating nuisance in their environ.

Initially, the Kto12 Basic Education Program is a People’s Champ punch. Its Grades 11 and 12 curriculum designed for learners with inclination for sports is quite a jab. Learners, knowing they could excel in sports would be more inspired to prepare their way for it instead of sizing up their classmates for no sense at all. The school is a boxing arena. Bullying is an arrogant, aggressive and mighty opponent. Yet, Kto12 is a pound for pound king and it can floor bullying to canvass. Getting into sports is a sure winner.

Just recently, the Philippine Basketball Association held its Rookie Draft at Robinson’s Place in Manila. Soon to follow is of course the next season for the number one sports for the Filipino people. How do you make it to the PBA? Well, simply it’s inspiration.

By inspiration, it means being guided by the Holy One shown in an athlete’s discipline. It means focusing on the game all the time; allowing oneself free from distraction of and to others. It means hard work to perfect one’s craft. The prestige of being in the PBA epitomizes this inspiration. Bullying is stepping far backward while sporting is “ballying” to success.

For the pupils and students in schools, it’s about time we find the ‘minding others business’ and ‘bad look’ at each other and inexcusable ‘rub of elbows’ obsolete and already things of the past. Let’s get into sports. Let’s play balls and ball our way to progress.

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