PAY TO PLAY Restricting maturity ONE SHOT

Age does not vary when it comes to sports. A person of any age can participate in any sport as long as they are physically and mentally ready.

But why do schools set age restrictions on High School students who can participate and are qualified for any sports competition?

Simply because, High School students with an age ranging from 12-17 are more likely to be active when it comes to playing sports. They tend to find great value in sports because it can give them an outlet for physical activity and skill development.

But how about those 18 years old and up who are still in high school and have the potential of being good in a certain sport? Will they have the opportunity to showcase their abilities and capabilities in playing?

Students who are already at the legal age (18) are mostly in college now. But there are still some who are in high school due to the fact that there is a K-12 curriculum. Most of the great players are found in grades 11 and 12 and they are not given the opportunity to showcase their talents because there is an age limit for qualified players.

It is sad to say that we have lost good players that can bring honor to our school but a rule is a rule. The rule says that the age bracket of the qualified players will only be 12-17 and most of them are from the grades 7-10 while the number of athletes from Senior high are just less than the number of my fingers.

These students can play in college and can be skilled in their chosen sport. Yes, there will be lots of opportunities to come when they will be in college but “lahi ra gyud” (it is different) when they can already experience it in high school.

Wong slays rhythmic gymnastics...

FROM PAGE 20 apparatus.

She then did her elegant performances with the balls, hoops, and clubs and did great with her dancing steps, jumps, and leaps.

Wong, her coach Ms. Shara Moras, and co-gymnasts Crezel Amemenzi and Charvie Calasang were sent to Sindangan to represent SioNaSci in gymnastics. However, amongst the three, Wong was the only SioNaSci gymnast advancing to regionals.

In an interview, Wong admitted that they only had three days of preparation for the provincial meet, so they thought securing a spot for the regionals would take much work.

“Happy nga kulba ra akong nabati kay akong mga kalaban para sa regional kay tig apil ug mga gymnast class maong ga training kog ayo and gitun-an sad nako ang mga difficult routines” [Happy and nervous, that is all I felt because my rivals are joining gymnast classes that is why I am training well and I am also learning the difficult routines],” Wong said.

Her ever-supportive coach was proud of the success of her player and is encouraging her to practice more in preparation for the higher meet.

Moreover, Wong is among the youngest SioNaSci athletes competing in the regionals. However, she is familiar with this competition because she already has experience from her elementary days.

Wong is set to compete in a regional meet sports competition that will be held at Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur this coming April 22.

Recently, the Cluster Five Athletic Association Selection Meet was held synchronously in Sirawai, Siocon, Baliguian, Gutalac, and Labason municipalities in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. The event reportedly catered to over 20 sports. However, a subnormal number of Siocon National Science High School students were qualified to join the event, less than the reported number of participants in 2019-2020. In a probe by The Pis Siyabit, various reasons caused this, such as students’ losing interest, students’ focusing more on academics, and students having already passed the age requirements. Nevertheless, a problem that has always lingered and should be assessed is the economic discrimination among students and the budget constraints the coaches and school experience during sports endeavors.

Poverty is an ongoing problem in the country. The Department of Social Welfare and Development released the findings of the Listahan 3 Survey, which showed that as of 2022, more than 5.6 million Filipino families are living in poverty.

Poverty has also been a problem for some students who aspire to participate in sports. In an interview with Grade 12 student Eduardo Z. Ombilingon Jr., he once wanted to join archery but backed out due to financial problems and the high equipment cost. It is heartbreaking for children to be unable to follow their dreams due to not being financially capable, which is not their fault.

Although, some unfortunate students with potential are financially supported by their coaches or sponsors. During an interrogation with a Grade 12 adviser and Badminton Coach of Siocon National Science High School, Cristine C. Gumapo, it was revealed that they have to do “kuot-ching” as she termed for taking money from their own pockets so as not to lose student-athletes with great talent and allow them to develop their full potential.

Nevertheless, only some of the time can coaches support and provide for their student-athletes due to their personal expenses. Furthermore, these students cannot always find sponsors or someone who can lend them money.

Additionally, the school can only sometimes provide, since they will only cater to chosen students going to nationals and internationals. The school also has other problems to cater to, such as maintenance and other operating expenses.

What about the other students who want to participate and could be cultivated into great athletes? This, undoubtedly, is unfair because how can they show their skill without support?

To assess this predicament, the Department of Education and the current administration should address this issue by providing more available sports equipment in schools for students to borrow for training and competition.

The budget allocation for sports must be assessed thoroughly, preferably during the start of the school year. With this, student athletes’ skills could be cultivated and given opportunities for their future. This will also help expand physical education’s influence on non-athletes.

This is a mutually beneficial feat not only for the students advantage. With this, many schools, and possibly the country, can produce great athletes to represent the Philippines in international sports competitions if we demolish economic constraints.