by Claire R. Gigje
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)–Some six young internally displaced persons (IDPs) have proven that their tragic history of being victims of the warfare in the city here in 2017 would not be a negative factor in making great strides in their lives.
These students went to the Marawi Central Elementary Pilot School (MCEPS). They became athletes and won the most recent city meet, which took place March 4–6.
In the said sports event, four learners served as players of sepak takraw, while two others participated in the badminton doubles category, all of whom bagged gold medals after being hailed as champions.
MCEPS Principal Ramla Radia stated that she is still in awe of their school’s achievement; however, she has already believed in the capacity of her students to win the clash of skills in this year’s city meet.
As the head of a school that mostly helps displaced children, she talked about how proud she was of her students and how they showed that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom and can be fun, especially when it’s done through sports.
“Napatunayan namin na kaya pa rin nila. Tuloy pa rin ang pag-aaral nila at pwede rin sila makisali sa ganitong mga palaro para maging masigla, malusog at magkaroon ng inspirasyon na masarap pala na ang pag-aaral ay hindi lang sa loob ng klase dahil pwede rin sila maglaro,” said Radia.
(We have shown that they could do it. Their learning continues, and they can also join in this kind of competition to be active, healthy, and have inspiration that learning can be good when it is not just in classes but also when playing)
The school principal said they have provided all forms of support to their student-athletes, including those for physical, emotional, and social aspects, and even grade incentives for their Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) subject.
Meanwhile, student IDPs expressed their happiness over their participation in this year’s city meet.
“Maganda sa feeling na nanalo. Naeenjoy ko ang paglalaro. Gusto ko na talagang maglaro ng badminton. Proud ako sa sarili ko,” said badminton player Mohammad Hajeer Dimacoor.
(The feeling of winning is good. I enjoyed playing. I really wanted to play badminton. I am proud of myself)
Joel Jamis Jr., who plays sepak takraw, also talked about how much he loved playing during his games.
He shared that he desired to compete in Cotabato City, where the regional meet would soon take place.
“Masakit ang training pero patuloy pa rin ako. Nag-enjoy ako. Masayang maglaro ng sepak takraw. Masayang masaya kami na naipanalo namin ang sepak takraw,” said Jamis.
(The training hurt, but I still continued. I enjoyed it. Playing sepak takraw is enjoyable. We are really happy to win the sepak takraw)
The MCEP principal said their young players have pledged to spare some of their time teaching their schoolmates the mechanics of the sports they have played. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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