CEBU, Philippines – He may not have won a medal but John Paul Belikaol, a one-armed tennis player from Argao town south of Cebu, still came out the biggest winner for touching the hearts of many during the highly-successful 19th JRG Gullas Tennis Cup recently.
Notwithstanding his physical handicap, Belikaol has shown great courage and big fighting heart that nearly landed him a semifinal spot in the most sought-after junior tennis event in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Belikaol's very inspiring story was not left unnoticed by no less than Jose "Dodong" R. Gullas himself, the man behind the third longest-existing tennis tournament in the country.
Gullas is so impressed with his courage and determination that he extended a full scholarship to Belikaol at the University of the Visayas.
"I'm extending full scholarship to John Paul until he completes his basic education course at UV," said Gullas, UV's Executive Vice President. "For the courage and determination he has shown, this young boy from Argao is truly an inspiration for others that physical disability is not a hindrance in one's pursuit for athletic excellence," said Gullas.
Belikaol was born with no right arm, but it did not stop him from chasing his dream of becoming a tennis player.
"I was really shy at first because some would even laugh at me seeing me play with only one arm," said Belikaol, presently an eight-grader from Argao National High School. "But I did not mind them. I perserved because I love playing tennis and that makes me happy."
From a mere ball boy, Belikaol polished his skills as a racquet-wielder by taking part in the annual summer clinic spearheaded by the Intergrated Children's Development Program of Argao for three years now.
"Joining the ICDP trainings back home in Argao really boosted my confidence level. Every time I compete, I no longer think about my disability. I just focused on the task at hand and give the best I possibly could in each game," said the 13-year-old Belikaol.
And that's exactly what he did during this year's edition of the JRG Gullas Cup played in two indoor venues at the CitiGreen Tennis Resort in Barangay Punta Princesa and at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club in Barangay Pardo, Cebu City.
After blasting his first two opponents in straight sets, Belikaol advanced to the quarterfinal round of the boys 14-under age group after he breezed past Patt Mejie of Biliran, 6-2, 6-4. His fairytale run, however, came to an end when he was crushed by the topseeded and eventual champion Janus Ringia of Koronadal, South Cotabato, 6-0, 6-1.
Inspite of that, Belikaol could still hold his head up high for delivering a breakthrough performance and more importantly, for personifyng fortitude and craftiness in the face of adversity that is truly an admirable act worth emulating for.
"I'm very thankful to Sir Dodong (Gullas) for giving me this scholarship. This is really a big help to me and my family," said Belikaol, son of a farmer and market vendor. "This will motivate me to strive harder to become a better player and eventually reach my goals in life." (FREEMAN)