Tennis ‘ball boy’ shapes up big dreams in Milo Olympics

CEBU, Philippines- He's one of the smallest players on the line, but his fortitude and craftiness make Francis Hidalgo the 'tallest' player, literally and figuratively, among the tennis competitors in the just-concluded 19th Milo Little Olympics-Visayas.

As a struggling player, Hidalgo is used to playing with a donated racket and a pair of shoes he bought from “ukay-ukay”, which is also the same he wears in school before.

But inspite of what he had been through, Hidalgo is not complaining nor intimidated by some rich kids also joining in the tournament. For him, what matters most is being able to play the sport he loves dearly with hopes of making it to the national team someday.

“I want to be in the Philippine team," Hidalgo replied when pressed on his ultimate goal.

His passion for the sport started when he went out with friends and became “pulot boys” or ball boys at the Pardo Tennis Club.

“I want to have my own money to augment the little allowance my mother can afford and got it by being a 'pulot boy,” Hidalgo said. He comes from a broken family and his mom makes a living out of taking care of a 'sari-sari' store owned by a family friend.

More than the money, Hidalgo said being into sport has molded him into a responsible person despite his age.

Hidalgo started as a 'ball' boy at the age of seven until revered Cebuano coach and champion-maker Fritz Tabura got notice of him during one of his free tennis lessons for underprivileged youngsters in Pardo where he serves as a barangay councilman.

“Coach Fritz trained me and encouraged me to join competitions,” Hidalgo said.

With Tabura's help, it did not take long for Hidalgo to earn a spot at the UV varsity team.

“I got him not because out of pity, but because he truly deserves it. Not  because he always helped me train other kids, but because he’s really good especially in doubles. He's very good that any other player would want to pair with,” said coach Fritz.

Since he first joined in the Milo Little Olympics when he was still in Grade 3, Hidalgo enjoyed this year his best accomplishment, so far, powering UV to a bronze medal finish in the team event. The MLO features only team competition and has no individual events.

“They said that if Milo has as individual event, that’s the only time I will win a gold," said Hidalgo. "But I’m not complaining. Sports, afterall, teaches us the value of teamwork.”

Hidalgo is all the more motivated to improve on and excel in his field with the athletic scholarship he will be enjoying at UV.

“Nothing can stop me from playing tennis, not even defeat. One day, I will have my day,” declared Hidalgo. (FREEMAN)