Wishes

It’s the time of year, when we set aside petty differences and realize that we are all on similar journeys. We all want for the same things: peaceful family life, stability at work, purpose, success, and love. Often, in the heat of competition, we say or do things that the other person – in a likewise elevated emotional state – feels more deeply, and takes to heart. These animosities take root, and soon dictate our actions. Calcified, they become harder to erase. Why do we make life harder for ourselves?

Historically, sport is the humane substitute for war. It allows for competitive performance without bloodshed, so everyone is alive enough to cheer, or vow to do better next time. But we’ve elevated the stakes so much that we turn the substitute for war into another form of it. Adversity introduces a man to himself, and sports is its laboratory. Sadly, many escape the laboratory without the cure for what ails their behavior.

Since Christmas is nearing, and it is the time of miracles, this writer has more wishes for the coming year. Some are things we wish for every year, but it costs nothing to dream on.

Firstly, we wish that the conduct of the 30th Southeast Asian Games passes without incident. The more open, caring and hospitable we are, the better of an experience it will be for everyone. For those two weeks or so, may there be no unscrupulous taxi drivers making an unfair buck at the cost of our reputation, no vendors seeing dollar signs for their products. May the tournaments be run professionally and fairly. May this be the Games where we stop the cycle of host country cheating. It’s not worth it. Just ask the athletes.

Secondly, we wish that our female athletes and officials continue to rock the world of sports and break into more old boys’ clubs. We’ve made tremendous headway in sepak takraw, rugby, weightlifting, board sports, jiu jitsu, tchoukball and bowling. May the trend continue. It is time, and there are a variety of issues in women’s sports that need to be addressed.

Third, we wish that the PBA continue to propagate the sport we love the most. Truth be told, the league has bent over backwards to accommodate the national team. For that, it deserves our loyalty and patronage. The league is part of our lives, and new generations deserve the experience of colorful characters, compelling rivalries, and breathtaking performances.

Fourth, may the Philippine Olympic Committee factions find a common ground and language, so that in the end, the various NSAs are working for the athletes, not against them. There are still many unsettled leadership disputes that distract from what needs to be done. May all the conflicts be resolved peacefully, and soon.

Fifth, may the legislature see fit to create the Department of Sports. Though this may seem daunting given the country’s other concerns, may it happen soonest. Sports needs more government muscle behind it to find and train the future heroes of this vast, diverse land. As Shakespeare once said, “It is a consummation devoutly to be wished.”

Lastly, may the spirit of renewal impact the sports that have given us our greatest heroes of the past: boxing, billiards, swimming and others. May we find more patrons for more sports, more willing to give.

Reading this back, it sounds more like a prayer than a wish list. I guess it is. I guess it is.