SUMMARY
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TAGUM CITY, Philippines – Yearly, young athletes from all over the Philippines gather in the largest multi-sporting grassroots event known as the Palarong Pambansa to compete against each other and see who will emerge as the country’s best.
But for the girls of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao girls sepak takraw, it is barely about the competition—it is an escape.
“Sobrang saya namin na nandito kami ngayon,” said sepak takraw tekong Ulfa Jamaril Basilan with a grin. “Kahit talo kami, masaya pa rin kami kasi marami kami natutunan dito.”
(We are ecstatic to be here right now. Even though we lost, we’re still happy because we learned a lot).
Despite losing to the stronger National Capital Region, the Basilan-native squad exited the Brgy Mankilam Gym with joy written all over their faces as if they grabbed gold.
“Natalo kami pero okay lang yun,” shared the 14-year old Basilan. “Babawi na lang kami next year, ang importante sa amin ay yung nakarating kami dito.”
(We lost but that’s okay, we will just make it up next year. The important thing is we were able to compete here).
Just being able to represent Region 15 in Palaro 2015 has already been a dream come true for them and it is just too good to be true.
“First time na makasali ang Basilan sa Palaro,” quipped coach Manar Mohawan. “Ito yung by far best na nilaro namin.”
(This is the first time Basilan is participating in the Palaro. This is by far our best game).
For the first time, they are given the chance to let others see there is more to Basilan than just chaos.
Unity in sports
According to team chaperon Nhadda Abdusalam, ARMM is a plague of different divisions each equipped with different beliefs and visions.
But all those came to an end.
“Nagkakaroon ng pagkakaisa yung mga lugar sa amin dahil sa sports,” shared Abdusalam. “Nakakatuwa kasi yung mga bata nae-expose sa ganito.”
(There is unity in our region because of sports and it is heartwarming because the children are being exposed to it).
According to chaperon Abdusalam, sports and the Palaro in general is a way to inspire the youth in Mindanao and promote unity.
“Through this kasi nai-inspire yung mga bata at nakaka-influence rin sila ng maganda sa iba,” Abdusalam said.
(Sports is one way to give inspiration to the youth and at the same time, be a good influence to others too).
True enough, the takraw squad failed win any medals but they aren’t going home empty-handed – with them are the values of sportsmanship and camaraderie which they hope to share with pride as they try help make Basilan a better place. – Rappler.com
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