Milo Olympics spotlights mother’s role in molding champion athletes

CEBU, Philippines- The 6th Milo Little Olympics National Finals is already over but the highly-successful event certainly has left an unforgettable moment in the memory not only of the athletes, but also of their mothers mainly because in a very unique way, it spotlighted the crucial role played by the mothers in building champions for life.

During the grand opening ceremony of the annual sports conclave for the best developmental athletes across the country two weeks ago at the sprawling Marikina Sports Center, one striking scene that touched everyone's heart is perhaps the lighting of the urn.

Instead of presenting a high-tech or coming up with very creative way of lighting the symbolic urn, a simple yet meaningful torch relay was being done, with four mothers representing the regions of Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and National Capital Region passing on the lighted torch from former Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Japoy Lizardo and Boston Marathon finisher Rio de la Cruz to his son with a few reminders about life and the game itself.

The mother is the “first flame” to any child. She is the guiding light in one’s family that illuminates with wisdom and compassion their children's achievements and misadventures as well all throughout their journey in life.

Breathing life to history

Dr. Robert Calo of host NCR said, they wanted to bring back history to the present bunch of athletes before they pursue their Olympic dreams especially that Milo is celebrating its golden year in the country.

Calo narrated that in ancient Olympics, women were barred from watching men trying to overpower one another through wrestling and the likes.

“There was this champion whose mom had to disguise as a man covering her face well so she wouldn’t be recognized," said Calo, in retelling an interesting piece of history. "But to her excitement and being overjoyed, her face covering fell off and everyone discovered that she was a woman. She was supposed to be punished with death because of that, but luckily, she escaped from it because she was a champion’s mother. She knew the consequences she has to face, but still she took the risk. That’s how much she loves her son.’

That incident eventually paved the way for women to join the Olympics.

Beyond that, the role of a mother is endless, from the time of birth until one grows old.

Although the father also carries a big role, the child usually runs to his mother for comfort.

“Iba pa rin yung ina ka. Yung bata, kahit anong mangyari, tatakbo talaga yun sa mga nanay nila,” said Calo, who conceptualized the memorable opening rites together with some people at the Department of Education-NCR.

Fountain of inspiration and source of strength

Despite the presence of coaches and trainers, the presence of the child’s parents especially their moms during the competition is very different as observed by some delegation officials and the coaches themselves. That is precisely the reason why even if there are some parents who become uncontrollable and easily get high with their emotions, they are still allowed to accompany and watch their kids play.

The contrasting results of the games reflect how a mother’s love shapes up an athlete to move forward especially in defeat.

"It's really very different when the mothers are present during games especially for elementary athletes. The coaches, of course, are a big help, but the kids will really look for their mothers because they're the ones who provide them an added inspiration and extra energy in every challenge they are faced with," said coach Joselito Bono, who guided Team Visayas, manned by Don Bosco Technology Center booters, to an unprecedented four straight championship in elementary football of the MLO.

Engr. Keith Buyco, whose son is one of the Most Outstanding Athlete awardees, said that with all the mothers around, it makes the young athletes feel at ease and relaxed in each game.

Even the PAREF-Springdale-led secondary football squad had most of their moms present in their games that even in losing, they still felt like winning.

For instance in elementary basketball when the young Bisdaks composed of players from the University of San Carlos suffered a heart-wrenching debacle in their gold medal campaign. They were expected to win the gold especially that they have been winning all their games from the regional down to their first two assignments in the MLO National finals by a huge margin.

In the championship, the USC boys were leading most of the way, but suffered a monumental collapse at the endgame that cost them the precious gold they long and aspire for. So devastated that even before the final buzzer sounded off, emotions already ran high.

With tears racing down their cheeks, one mother after the other came on rushing to the sides of their son, giving each one of them a tight hug of comfort, as if to lift up their spirits and ensure that everything will be allright.

“In the face of defeat, the kids can easily recover with their moms around. In moments that they are down, the parents especially their moms are there to console them. Although coaches are there for them, they are mainly on the technical side in guiding the players while the parents are more of affection,” said USC-BED’s athletic coordinator Saturnino Mayormita.

Even a tennis player from Bukidnon wished her mom was with her in that moment in time.

“Kung naa pa lang unta ako mama karon kuyog nako, mas grabe pa gyud siguro akong paningkamot (Had my mother been with me, I would have doubled my effort),” said Genevive Tagab, part of Team Mindanao champion team in elementary girls tennis. (FREEMAN)