Lazy student from NCR learns discipline in sports

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – In the middle of the searing heat of the sun, National Capital Region long jumper Jimmy Celajes sat on one of the benches of the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex armed with his air Jordan cap, bag pack and Nike shoes.

He then teased one of his teammates. People who knew him before would have said it’s the same old story for Celajes.

Not quite. He has changed.

Changed from being lazy, reckless

15-year-old Celajes admitted that before he became an athlete, he was a lazy, happy-go-lucky student who most of time would not attend and cut classes.

“Lagi akong wala sa school, absenero, nagcu-cutting ako,”said Celajes with a nonchalant. “Tinatamad lang talaga akong pumasok.”

(I don’t go to school, I’m always absent and I cut classes. I’m just lazy).

But when Celajes, who competes in the Special Events for athletes with ‘Intellectual Disability’ in this year’s annual multi-sporting event, got into sports—long jump—specifically, he changed his attitude and became serious with his studies.

“Nakapag-focus ako sa pag-aaral nung naging athlete ako,” quipped Celajes.

(I focused on my studies when I became an athlete).

Celajes said it’s his teachers who were instrumental in his transformation from being a lackadaisical and even bully student to a changed man and better athlete.

“Sinasabihan ako ng mga teachers ko, tinutulungan nila ako. Sinasabi nila na matatangal ako dito (athletics team) kung hindi ako magsisipag,” said Celajes.

(My teachers always tell me to be serious in my studies and they help me. They keep on reminding me that I will be dropped from the team if I don’t work hard).

“Mawawala ako sa sports, na-appeciate ko na kailangan magsipag at mag-aral ng mabuti.”

(I won’t be able to play sports so I then appreciated my studies and realized that I neeed to work hard and study well).

Of Palaro difference, goals in life

Competing in the Palarong Pambansa, albeit in the Special Events also made a difference in Celajes’ life as he feel blessed beinag able to travel and bring pride to his family.

“Masaya kasi nakakapunta kami sa ibang lugar at nage-enjoy ako sa pagiging atleta kasi nakakatulong ako sa pamilya ko at nakakapag-bigay karangalan,” explained the Big City athlete.

“Nagiging proud ang family ko sa akin,” he added.

(It’s fun to be in the Palaro because I get to travel to other places and I enjoy the experience of being an athlete because I’m able to help my family and I give them honor. My family is proud of me).

Although Celajes aspires to become a famous athlete someday, he admitted that being an athlete is not forever.

“Walang forever pagdating sa pagiging atleta,” said Celajes, who dreams to be a Policeman someday.

(There’s no forever when it comes to being an athlete).

So what are Celajes’ plans?

“Pagbubutihan ko ang pag-aaral ko at magtatapos ako ng makatulong ako sa family ko,” summed up Celajes.

(I will do well in my studies and I will graduate so that I can help my family). – Rappler.com