Jr. NBA Diaries: Faces of Determination - The Filipino Rambler

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Friday, February 26, 2016

Jr. NBA Diaries: Faces of Determination

Benguet State University, Feb. 20-21, 2016- I was given the opportunity to cover the Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA Philippines Regional Selection Camp at Baguio. Having slept so little from the 6 hour travel from Manila, I was both exhausted and excited.

As the dew upon the roses warms and melts the morning light, hundreds of kids aged 10-14 were already at the gymnasium. I saw many eager and active  kids. They may be playing, but I can see from their eyes that they mean serious business here.

4 cute girls caught my eye.




Young and short as they are, these girls have shown that size doesn't matter at the court.

BUILDING SOMETHING.

It started when their teacher asked who wanted to join the Jr, NBA Program. These kids, without hesitation raised hands. It all begins with a YES. It is the foundation of building something.

GRIND OR SHINE.

Basketball is not an easy sport. One must have the agility, speed, core strength and the leaping ability. These little ladies, with cheeks as soft as July peaches and whose bodies seem fragile as a spider's web, inside the court, were as fierce as the flames.


They had a hard time doing the lay up and shooting, but they are more determined in trying and are hopeful as the break of day. We all have our weaknesses and shortcomings- decide whether you want that to grind you down or bring the best in you.


KEEP UP THE ENTHUSIASM.

'Force yourself to act enthusiastic and you'll become more enthusiastic.' 
Get your energy up. Exercise, eat and drink healthy.



Juadenes Parone, selected Top 48 in the Baguio Regional Selection Camp


ALL ATHLETES NEED SUPPORT.

To improve one's success in competition, support from family and friends are important. A good coach is as important- to provide you the drive, the focus and feedback.


REACH FOR THAT DREAM.

Emmanuel never stopped joining the Jr. NBA Regional camp. He was lucky to be part of Baguio's top 48 last year. He made it again at the top 48 this year- and laboring like a giant, he was selected to be part of the top 8 boys who will join the selection camp in Manila soon.




The Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Presented by Alaska is one of Alaska Milk’s programs that shape, train, challenge and inspire children to achieve their dreams and aspirations in life. When you dare to dream, many marvels will be accomplished. The Jr. NBA and Jr. NBA presented by Alaska hopes to be part of building this dream.

**
I went to Baguio to cover this event. Never did I realize that these amazing kids will remind me of life's lessons- to be enthusiastic, to persevere and be more determined, and to never give up in reaching that elusive dream.

To the four little ladies, supple and sweet as a rose in bloom; and to the 2 young man, sharp and brilliant like the glitter of a sword, thank you for showing me faces of determination. And yes, it reminded me that sports is still a 'play'. 

We jumped in joy after the two day has finished..letting our fancy frolic play like a happy child. Finally it is a wrap and I am grateful to have witnessed this great journey. On our way back to Manila, words from Walter Wintle came flashing back:

If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you want to win, but think you can't,
It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost; 
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger and faster man,
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.

**
To learn more about Alaska Milk and its roster of sporting programs, log on to www.playph.com
Basketball clinic locations can also be found on www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines)

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