Appeal for soccer kids

I was touched by a letter sent the other day by a reader from Iloilo.

Pio Jesus Martinez of Block 20, Lot 29 NHA, Mandurrian, Iloilo City (Tel. 033-3212432) wrote about 18 kids in his community, from nine to 12 years old, preparing for a boys soccer tournament without much support from anyone.

I phoned Martinez in his home yesterday and was told he was in Capiz. When I asked information about him, the person on the other end of the line hung up. I never got to introduce myself so I probably came across as a snoop–making my motives somewhat suspect. I would’ve liked to find out more about the kids and the tournament they’re playing in.

Anyway, here are excerpts from the letter:

"These boys are mostly beginners and are going to participate in a soccer tourney for the first time. What is amazing is the fact that most of the members are from various public grade schools in Iloilo City. If you could just see them practice today in their rag-tag playing attire, sometimes barefooted, you will not only pity them but also be impressed by their dedication and love for the game.

"Those who have playing shoes wear thick-soled rubber shoes with floral designs coupled with their ‘Sunday best’ socks topped by tattered sando-jerseys and floral designed shorts. Believe me. Include the fact that they practice on uneven and pebble-strewn turf. These boys even have to borrow a soccer ball just to be able to practice for their coming tournament. Truly, these are small kids with big hearts."

Martinez’ heart fell when he saw the kids playing. He continued:

"I am past my prime and will never be a great soccer player but I am sincerely most inspired by just seeing these kids play soccer, not for anything else, just for the love of the game."

And moved by the boys, he decided to write The Star to appeal for help from benefactors who could provide the youngsters with a decent set of uniforms, playing gear, and at least a soccer ball.

"Down the road, perhaps one of these boys will become a Pele, a Beckham, another Monfort or even a Bedia," he wrote. "Or at least one of them would be instilled the values of discipline, camaraderie, fairness, dedication and sportsmanship."

Why is Martinez making it a personal crusade to help the kids? He explained:

"This is the only way I may be able to contribute to the community and eventually make a difference in the lives of countless small kids who are in their formative years. I hope that I become a bridge to greatness of these kids."

Surely, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) can look into the plight of these kids and do something for them. Or perhaps, a sports patron with a big heart or a company with a commitment to social responsibility could come to their rescue.

Postscript. Zaldy Coronel, a legislative officer of the Internal Audit Department in the House of Representatives, sent in this note: "I always watch the live PBA games on TV and cannot but appreciate the efforts being exerted by the rookies to be at par with the veterans and unafraid to show what they’re made of. It is even more interesting to know that some of them are given more playing time than the other team members who were with the teams for a longer time. To make your broadcasting more fun, here are some monikers for our rookies–Jimmy Alapag the Mailbag who always delivers the points and assists, Romel Adducul the Ruler of the Boards, Mike (The Spike) Cortez a very small but shifty nail that hurts you with his penetrations and assists, Eddie (The Frisbee) Laure a very high-flying forward with soft moves that can hurt other teams, Ronald Tubid the Tonic a refreshing dose of moves to help his team and Stephen (The Steroid) Padilla who gives his team a shot in the arm when needed." Thanks for the suggestions. The Steroid, however, won’t do. Steroid use is banned in pro basketball ... Antonio Martinez of Quezon City wrote to say the Senate, as a legislative body, is not the proper forum for Jojo Lastimosa and company to use in ventilating their opinions on alleged Fil-Shams. "Why not the Games and Amusements Board? Or if they think the Bureau of Immigration and Department of Justice were remiss in their duties, they should ask the help of the National Bureau of Investigation in investigating Fil-Ams." He added, "Why zero in on the mestizo Fil-Ams? I know that Eric Menk, Rudy Hatfield and the Seigle brothers have Filipino mothers."