Pia Cayetano to student-athletes: 'Find your passion'
Published Jun 15, 2023 07:34 am
Senator Pia S. Cayetano has called on student-athletes to find their passion and to apply the same discipline they have for sports to their academics.
Speaking at the Palarong Pambansa Pre-Qualifying Meet in Cebu City, Senator Pia Cayetano urged over 1,000 student-athletes to apply the same passion they have for sports to their studies. (Photo from (O/S Sen. Pia Cayetano)
This was Cayetano’s message to over 1,000 student-athletes from four regions - Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula - at the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa Pre-Qualifying Meet in Cebu City on Wednesday, June 14. Herself a former student-athlete who competed in volleyball in the Palarong Pambansa, the senator was once a member of the national women's volleyball team. Cayetano said sports is one of the ways to determine a student's special talent, which should be supported and developed, as not every child can be expected to be “academically inclined.” “Not all can be honor students. So there are students who will shine not in the classroom, but outside. We need to harness and encourage that talent,” Cayetano said addressing the crowd, which included school officials, teachers, and coaches. Nevertheless, she urged student-athletes not to limit themselves, and to apply the discipline they develop as athletes to also do well in their studies. "I would always tell the athletes, the attitude that you show in the court and in the field, apply that same passion in the classroom," the lawmaker said. She said it is possible for students to excel in both fields. “The dream of your parents and your teachers is for you to have a good future, and to be given opportunities, whether it’s in academics, in an office, in a company, or to one day become an Olympian.” At the same time, Cayetano urged school authorities to keep an open mind and also help in cultivating students' other talents, “and sometimes, that way is through sports." "Let’s have an open mind, let’s give extra effort to help the child find the place and time where they will shine. And today, obviously, the ones who are here are athletes,” she said. “Let’s use this talent and interest they have in sports to develop their interest in other things," the senator emphasized.
Speaking at the Palarong Pambansa Pre-Qualifying Meet in Cebu City, Senator Pia Cayetano urged over 1,000 student-athletes to apply the same passion they have for sports to their studies. (Photo from (O/S Sen. Pia Cayetano)
This was Cayetano’s message to over 1,000 student-athletes from four regions - Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula - at the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa Pre-Qualifying Meet in Cebu City on Wednesday, June 14. Herself a former student-athlete who competed in volleyball in the Palarong Pambansa, the senator was once a member of the national women's volleyball team. Cayetano said sports is one of the ways to determine a student's special talent, which should be supported and developed, as not every child can be expected to be “academically inclined.” “Not all can be honor students. So there are students who will shine not in the classroom, but outside. We need to harness and encourage that talent,” Cayetano said addressing the crowd, which included school officials, teachers, and coaches. Nevertheless, she urged student-athletes not to limit themselves, and to apply the discipline they develop as athletes to also do well in their studies. "I would always tell the athletes, the attitude that you show in the court and in the field, apply that same passion in the classroom," the lawmaker said. She said it is possible for students to excel in both fields. “The dream of your parents and your teachers is for you to have a good future, and to be given opportunities, whether it’s in academics, in an office, in a company, or to one day become an Olympian.” At the same time, Cayetano urged school authorities to keep an open mind and also help in cultivating students' other talents, “and sometimes, that way is through sports." "Let’s have an open mind, let’s give extra effort to help the child find the place and time where they will shine. And today, obviously, the ones who are here are athletes,” she said. “Let’s use this talent and interest they have in sports to develop their interest in other things," the senator emphasized.