From the Field to the Heart: The Importance of Sports to the Community

Written by Chio Matias

Contributions of Alessandra Florentino and Jada Ongkingco

“Sports do not build character. They reveal it.”

- Heywood Brown 

In a world of academics, sports tend to be overlooked as a significant stepping stone for student-athletes. With this, they often encounter a barrage of negative comments that underestimate these passions and their benefits on an individual’s growth and development. However, parents of this generation have slowly started embracing and debunking this mindset. The Manresa School Parents Auxiliary (MSPA) is certainly no exception to this change. 

Recently, the MSPA and Senior High School Student Government (SHSSG) have created a project known as the “PSAP Send-off Kits” wherein each athlete representing Manresa School was given a kit with one Gatorade, one FitBar, and one towel to showcase the student and parent body’s support towards them. In a recent interview, The MSPA President, Alessandra Florentino, mentioned that: 

“The MSPA officers and board are all out for supporting our student-athletes as there are a handful of us who are sports parents.”

To expand on this statement, Alessandra Florentino, or Tita Dee, was asked about her experiences and thoughts on sports when it comes to student-athletes. From the sixth grade up until high school, Tita Dee was a Track and Field athlete. Through her experiences of being an athlete, she was open to numerous challenges that most students, not just student-athletes, can relate to:

“Based on experience, student-athletes are challenged to balance studies and sports. It requires dedication and discipline, there are times they will struggle to balance studying and training, but of course, as a student-athlete, they need to retain certain grades to stay on the team.”

Certainly, this struggle is unavoidable for it is something that most student-athletes still face in today’s time. Jada Ongkingco, Manresa School’s 4-time gold medalist in the recent Track and Field PSAP events, mentioned her challenges when it comes to balancing her time as a student-athlete: 

“Time management as a student-athlete can be very challenging at times. Balancing my responsibilities both in my hobbies in academics. Simple conflict in schedule can really affect the momentum of accomplishing a task both in academics and being an athlete.”

However, this isn’t a dead-end issue. Challenges are bound to come a student’s way no matter what. Just like what Molière said, “The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it,” a challenge may lead to a blooming flower after a storm. With proper balance and support, students can overcome and dominate each struggle that may come their way. Tita Dee wholeheartedly believes that parental and fraternal support is a huge help. She stated that having a support system certainly plays a huge role in a student-athletes life. 

As a student myself, although I am no athlete, I fully agree with this statement. Students strive so much more with a proper support system. The amount of love and care that comes from feeling supported motivates and keeps a student going. It’s like a push on a car’s engine to get it started. Through support systems, students tend to develop a sense of balance too. They become open to scenarios and advice that allow them to assess and evaluate where they should be and what they should be doing for their benefit. 

With all this, student-athletes truly master the art of balance between their studies and passion. They develop the skill of distinguishing their priorities and time which they could use in the long run. This allows them to fully grow as self-actualized persons who value their talents and skills. 

To conclude, Tita Dee left a few words of wisdom for our beloved parents: 

“Our children look up to us and trust us to guide their future. If your kids show interest and passion for a sport, let's wholeheartedly support them, cheer for them, and be there every step of the way! While academics are undeniably important, sports play an equally vital role in their growth. Sports teach discipline, practical life skills, social interaction, teamwork, and so much more. Who knows—you might be raising a future Olympian! Let’s nurture their dreams together.”

Sports truly isn’t just about the games–it goes beyond that for it teaches us the act of fraternity, support, courage, and determination. It significantly impacts both our body and soul. Shout out to all student-athletes out there; you are doing great! The Manresan student body is immensely proud of you and your hard work.