HEART OF A TRUE CHAMPION

UNEDITED SAMPLE SPORTS ARTICLE
By Vicson Aypa Mabanglo
IV-Sir Isaac Newton


When you walk on the streets of greater Manila, you’ll eventually find yourself in a very incomparable scenario. Too-narrow streets, tricycles blocking your way, jeepneys parked on both sides of the road and people talking about daily news are often and common. Further observations will lead you to numerous basketball courts. Basketball courts which showcase and feature players in tattered shirts and flip-flops, non-regulation rims with nets that are often made up of metal chains, and plenty of loud yelling. Indeed there are lots of hoops that can be found all over the country, from the rural cities to the urban cities.

Filipinos are born with a basketball in their hands. Filipinos love Basketball from the moment they acquire their awareness up to the very last second of their lives. Filipinos consider basketball as their main sport. A typical Filipino life won’t be complete without any experience inside the “hardcourt”. A typical Filipino life won’t be complete without the setbacks and challenges offered by the game. Basketball is truly engraved in the heart of every Filipinos.

But nowadays, Filipinos are often attributed as “losers” when it comes to the game of basketball. Why? It is mainly because of the height of an average Filipino. In the game of Basketball, we must admit that height really plays a major factor when it comes to the final outcome of a game. One proof is the fact that we, Filipinos, have not won any international award when it comes to Basketball. Our country has not tasted any success overseas. Our heights always keep our feet on the ground. It hinders us to reach our main goal of becoming a champion. Some sports analyst even stated that we should focus more on other sports, which does not involve height of course. They even stated the insulting fact that we must focus more ourselves on Football. For in this sport, the ball is always on the ground.

Now, I do admit that Filipinos have not tasted any success outside the country, but that doesn’t mean we should not try and give up our passion for the game, right? The type of basketball in our country is not all about winning an award or a championship overseas. It is more about the thrill given by the game to the Filipinos. It is more about the true value of sportsmanship, the cooperation of a team, the excitement of a good game and the spirit of competition. Philippine basketball is about kids being able to play on the streets and dreaming that they can achieve something too, just like the PBA stars. It is more about competing in a “liga” in small barangays and villages and gaining the Most Valuable Player Award. Basketball is our premier sport not because we are internationally famed, but because we love the game. Basketball is truly engraved in our hearts.