Today was a rainy afternoon in Bolinao.
It was around 4pm, "uwian" na ng mga bata, but when the rain started to pour, a few went to Don Raymundo SPORTS Complex for shelter. Coincidentally, a lot were playing that day, and there they witnessed different sports played by other students and the youth.
There were those playing basketball, volleyball, badminton, and a relatively young sport, Pickleball.
In an otherwise basketball dominated sport scene in the Philippines, we from Bolinao can pride ourselves of our athletes. Don't get the wrong idea that these athletes are just "naglalaro lang". To name a few, we had Volleyball, Badminton, and Tennis players who represented Bolinao in the Palarong Pambansa.
We are competitive in these sports and with support, I believe we can do better.
This relatively new sport, PICKLEBALL, is the fastest growing sport in the US. Recently, Invitational tournaments were held in different places in the Philippines to help promote the growth of the sport. If this grows more in popularity and if it will be included in the sports program of our Education system, BOLINAO will be the first representative of the sport in the First District.
Passersby and other students were clearly interested in the sport as most spent a good minute or two watching the sport. Some were even asking around what the sport was called and described it as "table tennis played on the ground"
It was a lucky coincidence that it rained and more people were able to see the sport. In today's age where a lot of young ones rather play on their mobile phones, I believe it is important to inspire other people, specially the young ones to play sports as it not only promotes health, but teamwork and discipline as well.
I hope more people appreciate sports and respect our athletes. :)
Last sunset of April 2023
Taken at the Baywalk in Bolinao, Pangasinan
Miss Stacey de Ocampo
Limgas na Bolinao
@Limgas ng Pangasinan 2023 - Long Gown and Q&A
ctto: Province of Pangasinan
Bolinao Tourism Office