Bleacher talk Reflections on Milo Little Olympics

The games are done and the winners have been declared. Another edition of the Milo Little Olympics has come and gone, and it’s review time anew for all. For the schools, it’s a perfect way to gauge their sports programs in terms of over-all development. For the organizers, they’re looking at what went right, what went wrong, and how the meet can be improved next year. For athletes, they’ll forget the losses and pains, and go back to the drawing board to prepare for the next sports competitions. For parents, it’s time to give that pat on the shoulder for their children with the positive reinforcement approach of feedback and support. But what stood out? What were the highlights?

It doesn’t come as a surprise that the University of Cebu (UC) has won every single over-all title of the high school division of the Milo Little Olympics since its inception. With a deep bench and the support of the school, it’s a title that UC will hold on to as tightly as it can. There were two occasions when the 2012 title was reportedly on shaky grounds but UC withstood it all. When the runners from Iloilo National High School (INHS) roared on the first two days, UC stood its ground, knowing that the over-all title isn’t won from track and field (athletics) alone. The deep bench thus helped a lot as it fielded teams in other events played. UC Athletic Director Bernard Ricablanca might have been a bit nervous but was quick to settle down, knowing that it takes more than one sport to win it all. Lurking in the shadows, the University of San Carlos (USC) stepped up to declare its readiness to challenge UC for the over-all title in the secondary division. Banking on its deep resources of tapping two campuses for athletes, USC joined just about every event with its teams delivering competitive performances. Although this wasn’t good enough to grab the title, it gives its leaders led by Athletic Director Saturn Mayormita the opportunity/improvement areas to cover for 2013. When these bases are covered, we could be looking at a first-ever USC championship next year.

USC’s strength is already felt in the elementary division where they’re unstoppable, winning their third straight over-all championship. Remember that the athletes from that first over-all title are now in high school and could well become the key elements of a USC secondary championship next year. This is one of the biggest advantages when a school synchronizes all its resources to push for a long term program. Now that they’re solid at the grade school level, it’s only a matter of time before they conquer the high school competitions. It’s simple, basic grassroots development among their home-grown talents that starts when the athletes are young (between Grades 2-4) building up to their teen-age years when they reach high school. USC has done a good job of giving each sport the support and attention needed and the results are there for all to see.

Then you have the other schools that aren’t at the same level as UC and USC. The rest of the field can’t form teams for all events and thus rely on two to three events to deliver the points for their over-all standing. Among these include the University of the Visayas, Abellana National School, Southwestern University, Sacred Heart-School Ateneo de Cebu, Cebu Institute of Technology-University, University of Southern Philippines Foundation, Catmon Elementary School, Cebu City Central School, University of San Jose Recoletos, and Don Bosco. You’ll hear about these schools winning the titles of some events, with some of their individual performers dishing out outstanding feats. But their low spot is their absence or weak performance in the other events of the Olympics. We all have to remember that the Milo Little Olympics has 12 events, and not just one or two. For now, they focus on winning the championship of the events that they join more than going for an over-all title. If a school is to aim for an over-all championship, then it must have a deep and competitive bench that can compete in every event.

At the end of the day, we’ll also have to recognize that the Milo Little Olympics isn’t all about winning. Despite all the competition, Milo’s tag line of building champions for life still stands out as all those involved do get an upgrade in terms of personal development, and this includes the parents and relatives of the athletes. All the hard work, sacrifice, balance of studies/sports and discipline are far more precious than the medal that hangs on a wall. If our champion athletes turn out to be bums in life, then we haven’t done our part. But if our champions turn out to become men and women with character, then that’s the most satisfying feat a sports event can produce.

 Calling on the DPWH: The ongoing work on the road in the Laray/Tayud, Consolacion area has only brought about more traffic problems than help. What’s up?

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