UNLI RISE: Why Should We Play Sports?

Most sports players I encountered would respond to the question “just for the fun out of it” or “to lose weight” or “expand social connections.”

I am one of those just-for-fun sportspersons, who was never the best, never the worst, and who embraces imperfection in the group. And to add several reasons why playing sports is beneficial: because it improves physical health, is good for mental well-being, develops teamwork, improves communication skills, enforces discipline, helps with focus, and increases life expectancy. To give you a glimpse of my sports journey: I have tried BMX biking, athletics (running), football (midfielder), basketball (center/forward), chess (passive), badminton, eSports; and I am currently into bowling (duckpin/tenpin), cycling (mountain/road), running (jog/walk).

– – –

The running era is still in full swing in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. With the knowledge of added years to your life and enhanced mobility for jogging or walking every day, runners are on the hunt for that well-organized run for a good cause event. Proper mobility as we grow old is important to maintain independence to go anywhere and maintain the ideal quality of life fit for aging adults. It is vital for older adults to engage in regular physical activities and exercises to improve their mobility and prevent further decline. And for these reasons that, the Negros Press Club (NPC), Inc. is inviting you to join the NPC 3k-5k Fun Run: “PRESSING FORWARD!” at the Provincial Capitol Grounds on Sunday, August 31. You can take advantage of their early bird promo of P550 until Sunday, Aug. 10, inclusive of a Singlet, Acrylic Medal, Race Bib, and Snacks. Regular registration of P600 will be implemented on Monday, Aug. 11-17. Proceeds will support NPC member’s medical needs—bringing care and community together! To register, contact Maureen or James at 09511917185.

– – –

I have been spending my weekends on the bowling alley to join local duckpin leagues at Negros Super Lanes Goldenfields for more than a decade as part of my physical fitness routine. The ongoing league right now is the 11th edition of the Interschool Bowling Tournament 2025, with KMH (Kami Mga Hubin) founding chief member Mr. Robbie Elegado as host of the sporting event and the honorable Mr. Peter John Deocadiz as tournament director, alongside longtime bowling organizer Ms. Noela Borja and the charming Ms. Chona Tangco as members of the working committee. What the KMH is doing is good for the community of bowlers to bring back the joy and excitement of this once great game to attract young potentials, sponsors, and support from local government units. KMH is one of the oldest and most competitive duckpin bowling clubs in the region that keeps some of the best national teams on their toes. Some of its bowlers that made dents in duckpin are the “100 pinning score” of Wilson Casas, the “4 strikes in a row” of Otoy Jardio & Essho Garcia, and the “highest individual score” of Ricky Ondovilla (190 pfs) & Mike Corral (181 pfs), just to name a few. Summing up the leaderboard in the Interschool bowling tourney: KMH-backed NOHS 5-man mix team is unstoppable at #1 after knocking down a 3-game high score of 1,684 pinfalls, and in a far second is BCNHS Lucky Strikers, while trailing behind are UNO-R Rams and NOHS Incredibowls to complete the top four contenders in “A.” In the lower brackets, NOHS All Star is staying solid on top in “B,” and KMH-favored La Salle is taking it easy in “C.”

– – –

Sharing a quote from David Epstein to add for your weekly dose of personal growth: “It’s software, not hardware.”* (JGT)