BOYS will always be boys. Given any
chance to play sports,
their reaction is always lightning quick and wholehearted. In fact, I
sometimes get the impression that’s where their heart really is.
Classes are a poor second, or a third or fourth…
I just remembered the opening of an annual intramural
Olympiad in a boys’ school, and the environment suddenly changed mood.
More movement, more laughter, more color. The boys seem to be on
auto-pilot, guided by instincts otherwise hidden during normal
schooldays.
Through it all, I somehow detected unmistakable traces and
signs of growth and development. There was more self-confidence,
better teamwork, an increased daring to show their talents and gifts,
or as they say, to strut their stuff.
It’s true that while their education requires some
controlled environment, they need to be unleashed from time to time,
asking them to do things on their own.
That’s where we can see whether degrees of maturity and
sense of responsibility have been gained or not. That’s where we can
see who are the leaders and who the followers. That’s where we can see
their strengths and weaknesses.
I saw their cheer dance competition and their artwork
exhibit—I could not be in all events—but I was already floored to see
their creativity and artistry that truly widened my perspectives. It’s
indeed a blessing that can come only from God.
It’s always moving to see them try their best to be more
human and Christian, to become more mature and responsible in spite of
the many demons they have to face. Human weakness and miseries,
temptations from within and without hound them as they do everybody
else. But their struggles have a peculiar quality.
They’re still awkward and prone to try flying without
knowing exactly where they would land. They’re still into a grueling
process of self-discovery, a very crucial stage where they need the
most help that should not be too intrusive, which they resent.
It’s in sports where a common language is instantly spoken
and understood even between staff and students, and practically by
all. Barriers seen in classrooms and workshops seem to get dismantled
in the gym. And everyone enjoys and looks forward to it.
That’s why sports has to be given its proper place in
school life. It may not be the most important element, but I would say
it’s an indispensable auxiliary component. For it can also be a
terrific school of many virtues.
But it has to be infused also with the proper spirit.
Otherwise, it can degenerate into a network of vices and inhuman
attitudes—greed, lust, vanity, frivolity, etc.—that can become
formidable since with sports this network gets extremely enjoyable and
addictive.
Everyone needs to be reminded that sports has to serve our
true dignity as persons and children of God. It cannot be an excuse
for us to indulge in animality and savagery. Competition need not be
an exercise of pride, envy and hatred.
It can be a healthy occasion to build a realistic attitude
to life, for which one realizes the need for discipline and
preparation, hardwork and focus. It can be a good learning moment for
the interplay of the basic social principles of the common good,
solidarity and subsidiarity.
Competition tells us we are not alone. We need to be with
others. It tells us we have to work for a goal, each one contributing
whatever he can and always doing it in an effective tandem with
others.
Competition is a driver of development at least in the
personal and social aspects of one’s life. It pushes one to go to the
limits of his capabilities not only in the technical aspects but
especially in the more human ones—magnanimity, gracefulness, patience,
optimism, etc.
That’s why it is important to make everyone understand the
true nature and purpose of competition. If one knows what competition
really is and is for, he will always come out a victor whether he wins
or loses in a game or business.
Defeat, according to General George Patton, is not due to
losses but to the destruction of the soul. It’s when one surrenders to
discouragement, pessimism, despair.
That’s why it is important that everyone learns to compete
properly, correcting him whenever the spoilers of the true status of
competition come. How essential is it, therefore, that the young ones
be immediately reminded and encouraged whenever they show signs of
misunderstanding it!
Of course, the very fundamental principle of sports and
competition is one’s love for God. Outside of that, forget it.
their reaction is always lightning quick and wholehearted. In fact, I
sometimes get the impression that’s where their heart really is.
Classes are a poor second, or a third or fourth…
I just remembered the opening of an annual intramural
Olympiad in a boys’ school, and the environment suddenly changed mood.
More movement, more laughter, more color. The boys seem to be on
auto-pilot, guided by instincts otherwise hidden during normal
schooldays.
Through it all, I somehow detected unmistakable traces and
signs of growth and development. There was more self-confidence,
better teamwork, an increased daring to show their talents and gifts,
or as they say, to strut their stuff.
It’s true that while their education requires some
controlled environment, they need to be unleashed from time to time,
asking them to do things on their own.
That’s where we can see whether degrees of maturity and
sense of responsibility have been gained or not. That’s where we can
see who are the leaders and who the followers. That’s where we can see
their strengths and weaknesses.
I saw their cheer dance competition and their artwork
exhibit—I could not be in all events—but I was already floored to see
their creativity and artistry that truly widened my perspectives. It’s
indeed a blessing that can come only from God.
It’s always moving to see them try their best to be more
human and Christian, to become more mature and responsible in spite of
the many demons they have to face. Human weakness and miseries,
temptations from within and without hound them as they do everybody
else. But their struggles have a peculiar quality.
They’re still awkward and prone to try flying without
knowing exactly where they would land. They’re still into a grueling
process of self-discovery, a very crucial stage where they need the
most help that should not be too intrusive, which they resent.
It’s in sports where a common language is instantly spoken
and understood even between staff and students, and practically by
all. Barriers seen in classrooms and workshops seem to get dismantled
in the gym. And everyone enjoys and looks forward to it.
That’s why sports has to be given its proper place in
school life. It may not be the most important element, but I would say
it’s an indispensable auxiliary component. For it can also be a
terrific school of many virtues.
But it has to be infused also with the proper spirit.
Otherwise, it can degenerate into a network of vices and inhuman
attitudes—greed, lust, vanity, frivolity, etc.—that can become
formidable since with sports this network gets extremely enjoyable and
addictive.
Everyone needs to be reminded that sports has to serve our
true dignity as persons and children of God. It cannot be an excuse
for us to indulge in animality and savagery. Competition need not be
an exercise of pride, envy and hatred.
It can be a healthy occasion to build a realistic attitude
to life, for which one realizes the need for discipline and
preparation, hardwork and focus. It can be a good learning moment for
the interplay of the basic social principles of the common good,
solidarity and subsidiarity.
Competition tells us we are not alone. We need to be with
others. It tells us we have to work for a goal, each one contributing
whatever he can and always doing it in an effective tandem with
others.
Competition is a driver of development at least in the
personal and social aspects of one’s life. It pushes one to go to the
limits of his capabilities not only in the technical aspects but
especially in the more human ones—magnanimity, gracefulness, patience,
optimism, etc.
That’s why it is important to make everyone understand the
true nature and purpose of competition. If one knows what competition
really is and is for, he will always come out a victor whether he wins
or loses in a game or business.
Defeat, according to General George Patton, is not due to
losses but to the destruction of the soul. It’s when one surrenders to
discouragement, pessimism, despair.
That’s why it is important that everyone learns to compete
properly, correcting him whenever the spoilers of the true status of
competition come. How essential is it, therefore, that the young ones
be immediately reminded and encouraged whenever they show signs of
misunderstanding it!
Of course, the very fundamental principle of sports and
competition is one’s love for God. Outside of that, forget it.
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