Sporting moms

Tomorrow we p[ay tribute to the mothers. This is something that we ought to do more often, but then since it is traditionally celebrated every second Sunday of May, allow me to share with you some stories about sporting moms.

In my chosen field, I meet a lot of sporting moms, who are always there for their children to provide them with food and drinks while playing or training and sometimes some interesting quotes during interviews with sportswriters like us.

There are some sporting mothers, who seem to have made a career out of being there for their children and other children, whose parents are probably too busy to be there for them.

There are also those, who are the loudest cheerers and many who are silinetly praying on the sidelines while the game is going on.

Then there are those who scold the opponents of their kids when their child gets hurt or is fouled during a game.

To all sporting mothers, happy mother’s day to you and may your tribe increase.

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Let me share with you my own experience with my sporting mother, who once took time off her teaching schedule to watch me compete in judo over two decades ago.

My mother, Erma L. Quiñones, was probably my biggest fan in that tournament and despite my ability to block off noise from the crowd when I am in the mats, I could not help but hear her voice while I played one match after the other.

My Mama’s presence probably helped much in that tournament – the 2nd Roa Cup that was played at the old Southern Islands Gymnasium. I won the two gold medals in that tournament including the overall championship.

After the matches were over and the medals were awarded, I learned from my siblings and cousins who went to watch the tournament that at times they had to hold on to my Mama as she would appear very worried about my safety while I was playing.

I don’t blame mothers for being overprotective of their children. We were in their womb for nine months before we were born.

My mother never watched any of the future tournaments I took part in. Watching the first one was probably too much to bear and she had to be contented with getting the news of how I fared after the day is over.

I guess I was lucky to have been given the chance to have my mother watch me take part in something that I loved doing. 

As a parent, I am encouraging others who have kids to also get their kids into sports. It’s a great way to bond with the kids.

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The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 2014 will be holding a silent drill exhibition this 9 a.m. at the Cebu City Sports Center field.

This is open free to the public and I hope to see you there.

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday greetings to my wife’s nephew Julius Reyes Ybarita. The same goes to Duchess Veloso and Rex Crystal.

Advance greetings go to sportswriter Mars Alison, The Freeman’s Jen Vega, Emilie Florita, Jean Ogali, and Atty. Clarence Paul Oaminal, who are all turning a year older tomorrow.

More power to all of you!