Responding to the appeal

I was happy to receive several emails and text messages from friends and people, who I haven’t met after they read last Thursday’s column on the appeal for shoes of the players of Abellana National School.

I also forwarded to coach Francis Ramirez an email from an alumnus of ANS, Dr. Ed Sacris, who said that he is willing to help.

A fellow football parent, Rosana Cayetano also responded to the call as well as a very close friend of mine, who asked for more information about the request.

Yesterday, I also received from a friend based in the USA, Robert Aldemita, who also expressed interest to offer assistance.

I believe that there are many more people who are willing to share their blessings to those who don’t have much.

The call of the ANS team for support in their need for shoes is simply one of the many that we can take part in.

I do know of other teams that have the same problem, but there are also efforts to source shoes and equipment from abroad like what Manfred Schuwerk has done in his home country Germany to support the kids in Lapu-Lapu City.

Maybe we can organize some sort of a drop off center for shoes so that those that our kids will outgrow can still be used by others and just gather dust in our homes.

I have some ideas how this can be done, but this can be best implemented by an organization.

We can start with soccer shoes and maybe soon do the same for other sports equipment.

Of course, there has to be a proper screening of those who want to benefit from the program. Maybe my buddies from the Cebu Amateur Football Club (CAFC) would be willing to also help out in this.

After all, the men of the CAFC have such a big heart for the promotion of football in Cebu.

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In order to do something for sports, you can do so many little things that might not seem much to you, but is already a big thing to others.

As parents, we can encourage our kids to participate and support them in the process. 

I know of parents, who don’t have much to give in terms of material or financial support, but they have so much in terms of moral support, which also matters much.

Sometimes, our mere presence during the games and practices would be enough to encourage our kids to work harder at getting better in their craft or simply to give their best.

If we have more, then let’s share it with those who are in need. I have a friend, whose family supports a team because he does not only love the game, but he also loves his children who play the game.

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday greetings to Charlene Go of Cebu City Marriott Hotel, who turns a year older today.

The same goes to Charisma Ong-Pinna.

Tomorrow’s greetings go to Lorrey Anne Muntuerto, Leonard Lu, and my judo instructor Manuel ‘Gogo’ Roa.

More power to all of you! –THE FREEMAN