Harry Don Radaza: "Revolutionizing Lapu-Lapu Sports"

CEBU, Philippines - You must be out of the sports world if his name doesn't ring a bell to you. In fact, this man needs no further introduction. Having been honored as 'Sportsman of the Year' by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) just two weeks ago is already a solid testament that he has done something noteworthy to Cebu sports most especially to his fellow Oponganons.

The prestigious award was handed out to Harry Don Radaza during the San Miguel Brewery-sponsored 30th SAC All-Cebu Sports Awards last March 3 at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu for his tireless efforts and dedication in transforming the city of Lapu-Lapu into an international sports hub.

On top of Radaza's long list of accomplishments during the past year was bringing the historic Davis Cup event to Cebu shores, not just once but twice. Held just a few months apart from each other, it showcased the Queen City of the South's capability to host an event of such magnitude.

Upon the completion of the multi-million Hoops Dome, Radaza was the chief driving force in providing world-class entertainment to the Oponganons. Under his watch, the first ever live PBA game was held in Mactan Island. That was followed by major boxing shows that include a part of the highly-successful "Pinoy Pride" series.

Radaza, a well-rounded athlete who dabbled into tennis, soccer, basketball and American football, is also responsible for introducing a unique physical fitness program among the Oponganons by staging a weekly, barangay-based running event in their area.

Radaza unequivocally admitted that his being an elected official plays a key role in everything he does. But what separates him from the others is that he performs with passion and extra hardwork for the betterment of the place he is called to serve. In every plan he outlines, he always aim for the best. He doesn't want to settle for anything less. Such is the high standard he had set for himself.

"Being the committee chairman on both sports and tourism, it seemed logical to delve into sports tourism as a way to promote Lapu-Lapu City. I likened it a lot to being in a sports team. You aim for your first championship. And when you get that, you go for back to back. Then you go for the nationals and so on and so forth. You always go after something bigger," Radaza said.

"I guess it is just the competitive nature in me to try to outdo myself. I've realized this over the years. Adversity brings out the best in me. And that wouldn't have been possible without my sports background," added the dashing city councilor.

It's not all smooth-sailing for Radaza. He was also confronted with many challenges but the art of time management has made tough things easier for him to do. It entails a lot of sacrifice, but it's all worth it for him at the end of the day, more so upon seeing that he has made an impact even to the ordinary folks.

"I have a hard time sleeping sometimes because we always try to do our projects ahead of time. I always have a million things running through my head trying to find ways to improve what we are doing. Trying to leave no stone unturned as you only have one chance to make the first impression," he said.

Radaza has achieved things the way he wanted mainly because of his leadership skills. He's a team player and a very good motivator.

"I am very hands on. Down to the last detail. But if I am confident with the other team members that I'm working with, then I know I can trust them and delegate. Working on big projects involves working with a lot of people and it is all about motivating the team to get the most out of each other. Notice I say team. We always refer to our selves as a team. I always give words of encouragement and motivation. It is really just being a "coach" to the team," Radaza said.

"Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it. I stick to this. This is so true."

As a devout family man who taught his seven-year-old kid to 'never say never', Radaza said all parents out there must discern the simple truth applicable to everyday life that sports play a significant role in shaping up a bright future for their children.

"As parents, the best way to teach our children the tools they need to be successfull in life is through sports. Get them involved early and often. It teaches them the values of hard work, preparation, team work and how to overcome failure as they deal with losses to make them winners in life," said Radaza. - THE FREEMAN