Cebu’s kid shuttlers gun for Palaro glory

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — At first glance, Cebuanos Zina Marichelle Bejasa and Lyrden Laborte are just kids both standing 4 feet tall. But once they get hold of their badminton rackets, they transform into a dazzling duo.

The young badminton tandem from Cebu are not daunted by the intense competition in the 2013 Palarong Pambansa wherein they will take on older foes in a 5-day display of speed, strength, and stamina.

Just a day away from their first game day, Bejasa and Laborte still took the court instead of taking the day off to train some more in an effort to pull off upsets over their more experienced opponents.

Career began in Grade 1

Both first timers in the annual sports spectacle, the flamboyant shuttlers started their badminton journeys during their first grade in Banilad Elementary School in Mandaue.

Stricken with hardships and trials in his sitio of Orel, the 9-year-old Laborte pursued badminton to help his unemployed mother and his father, a company driver. For him to own a racket and equipment, the then-third grader Laborte had to join local competitions there that usually give away cash prizes to winners.

Bejasa, 8, is no different from Laborte. The Mandaue-based kid also rose from humble beginnings, growing up in a poor family. Using his racket paired with determination, she was able to help her jobless mother.

Both youngsters dedicate their Palaro 2013 campaign to their respective families, and they have promised to give it their all even in their first time.

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Regional superstars

Young they may be, but Bejasa and Laborte have proven themselves in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVRAA) meet last year as the former topped the women’s doubles tournament while the latter succeeded in the men’s doubles.

The two also won titles in the 2012 Milo Visayas Little Olympics as well as in many other small and local level competitions.

Inspired by the drive to triumph, Bejasa and Laborte are going all out in trying to covet the badminton crown. “We trained so hard all-year long. We practice every day and that could be the key to winning,” said Bejasa.

“We’re happy because the Palaro is hosted by Dumaguete City. We are inspired and I think we can win with the local fans’ support,” said the known hard-hitter Laborte.

Heavily favored in their home turf, Laborte guns for a Central Visayas two-peat in elementary boys while second grade Bejasa looks to improve on Region 7’s second-place finish in elementary girls last year.

Apparently, a bright future awaits Cebu’s smashing prides and what better way to announce their arrival in the national stage by doing it at the Palaro. – Rappler.com