ILLUMINATE THAN SHINE

It was so surreal that the two things I love most were rolled into one – teaching and sports. I came to realize that there is more than playing the sport to an athlete, whose career had fallen short because of injuries. I came to realize that the best feeling in the world for an athlete is not winning any championship or any individual award, but it is the opportunity of teaching the next generation the sport that fed you, the sport who supported your studies, and the sport who gave you a life. I came to realize that the heart is more satisfied and fulfilled when it outgrows the desire for the limelight of the pedestal, the prestige of the court, and the fame and glory of the sport and when this desire is replaced by the will to yearn to do something for the soul, the heart never ceases. YSA has been an avenue of sharing bits of joys and hopes to kids who might not get the chance to play a sport anymore. It is a joy to see kids learning the sport you yourself had loved. It is a joy to see children laughing and having fun while learning. It is a joy to see the hope of Philippine Sports in the eyes of these children who may someday be our pride in the international sports arenas. It is such a wonderful sight to see them play the sport that gave you life.

Pope Francis, in his Homily at the Luneta Papal Mass said that “We need to see each child as a gift to be welcomed, cherished and protected.” We need to see them as precious gifts to society. We need to see them as the valuable seed of hope of the country for a better future. So my dear friends, let us the pave the way for these young kids to be the athletes of tomorrow. Let us be the light to guide these kids so that our future may be as brighter than it ever did before. As St. Thomas Aquinas have said, “It is better to ILLUMINATE than merely to SHINE.”

Faith in Humanity strengthened.

Hope in the Filipino Youth renewed.

Love for our brethren Christified.

- Gabriel San Juan Elementary School Teacher YSA Volunteer