One goal

“Four teams, one goal, one epic Olympics,” so goes the 2012 University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu intramurals slogan.

Today marks the most awaited week for most of the iskolars ng bayan. Considering the national university’s nature of all study and almost no play, this is finally a time to relax, have fun, play games and cheer for one another.

But what is the goal?

Is it to win, to bag the most of number of medals and trophies then show off to the world? Is it to claim that your own hard work and effort paid off with pride? Well, one could also consider the words sportsmanship and camaraderie. They’re always heard of during the time of the games. Include the word unity too; they say it’s about getting to know one another.

If this is so, then unnecessary jeering, hooting and even booing does not belong to the arena.

There are even situations of hitting each other with dirty words and nasty statements on social media sites. This trend called Trash talk continues to contaminate the portals of the internet.

I overheard a professor say, “What is the purpose of these contests? You say it is to unite, but it is only creating a division amongst us.”

I used to define intramurals as the time to meet new friends and take these memories with you as you advance your skill in meets outside school. It is the moment to know your fellow students and their talents. I imagine it as the biggest acquaintance party there is.

Sadly, this has become an avenue for the talented to be overshadowed by those in power. What used to be a fun and free spirited week is now a mini-vacation for some. It is not unusual for students to return to their respective provinces when the intramurals come. Those that remain are either athletes or those who cannot afford a ticket back home. Die hard intramural fans excluded, of course.

The purpose to unite is pointless, except for those who remain to participate.

The Olympic rings of five different colors symbolize the five continents of the world and how the games would unite them. And it did.

The same goes for every contest. There may be losers and winners but the goal remains, to unite not only the team, but the participants of the event, as well. Tears may be shed because of defeat, roars maybe heard because of victory but the bond gained from the competition cannot be replaced, or even paid for. Experience is what matters, to unite is the goal.

And so for every athlete who would raise their right hand and recite the oath of sportsmanship, ever let it be that these are not only words parroted after the one with the microphone. I hope that whatever is said is taken to heart and seriously thought of for the sake of the games.

As the games open, may it remind us of the one goal of uniting one another.  

It is amazing how an organized body of young people can unite through sports.  It starts here and then towards the building of the next generation’s nation. This dream is far too realistic but with a springboard of a number of sporting events in every university, this is not too far to reach.

Today is the day where all efforts will be acknowledged and seen. Four teams, one goal, and one epic Olympics set to blaze today. Let the games begin! Happy Intramurals, UP Cebu!