Four sportswomen and New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell played the role of coaches for University of the Philippines athletes in a two-hour discussion on how sports build the totality of a person.
Sharing their insights and stories to a theme “Sport: A Platform for Tremendous Possibilities,” Gretchen Ho, a former volleyball player, acted as moderator, saying that sports taught her to prioritize things “even emotions” and in personal life.
Citing her days in which she had to choose between finishing her college as a varsity player and being in a relationship with a matinee idol, Ho said sports “coaches also regulates athletes’ personal lives,” noting that the words of her coach then imprint to her which is to prioritize.
‘When you are passionate about something, you will not quit.’
Riza Diaz, who is now a sports broadcaster, narrated that it took her 10 years “to build and prove” herself that she is also qualified to do the job, starting from being a courtside reporter covering college basketball leagues.
She said she has been dreaming of being in a professional league someday.
“When you are passionate about something, you will not quit,” Diaz said, adding that her next challenge is to become a lady anchor in professional basketball games.
Paula Erica Reyes, also a courtside reporter who used to be a baseball player, said sports had built up the confidence in her.
“Women have special powers,” Reyes said.
Eloisa Hernandez, a U.P. Human Kinetics professor, said sports brings out the best in all UP athletes.
“There will be no loser. You would earn respect,” Hernandez said, referring that in sports, one will know the value of respect.
Kell, for his part, shared that sport is always “mind over matter” as it will train not only physically but also mentally.
“Sport defines who you will be, that one can use in their lifetime,” said Kell, who used to be a national coach in New Zealand.
