‘Winning medals is good but earning respect because of your sportsmanship is greater’ - BM Kitongan to Kalinga athletes ahead of provincial sports meet

Tabuk City, Kalinga - As players, coaches, and their respective schools prepare in winning as much gold they can for the Kalinga Provincial Sports Meet 2025, they are reminded by Board Member and Chairman of the Committee on Education Emilio T. Kitongan not to forget upholding sportsmanship throughout the event. 

The biggest sporting event in the province is slated on November 25–29 in the Municipality of Pinukpuk, with an estimated 2,899 participants, according to Provincial Local Youth Development Officer Felix D. Daladag in an interview. 

Kitongan, in an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on October 8, called on players to prioritize character aside from improving their athletic skills, saying that showing and earning respect from other players is also a great achievement apart from medals. 

Kitongan added that the Provincial Meet should not only be seen as a competition but also as an opportunity to showcase unity among the youth of Kalinga, a place where they can make new friends and strengthen bonds.

“Kayat ko lang ibaga kadagitoy players tayo nga, ‘Winning medals is good, but earning respect from other players because of your sportsmanship is greater.’”  Aramidenyo ti best yo tapno mangabak kayo, ngem haan latta koma maawan diay respeto yo ti pada yo nga players.  Dayta ti maysa metlang nga mangpangabak kanyayo, haan man siguro nga medals, ngem diay respeto metlang nga maala yo ti pada yo nga tao. What you sow is what you reap, kunada garud,” relayed Kitongan.  

For the coaches and trainers, the board member appealed to them to lead by example and guide their athletes in developing their skills and in shaping their attitude and behavior inside and outside the playing field.  

“I appreciate dagitoy coaches and trainers tayo nga naanus da iman nga mang-gaguide kadagitoy atletes tayo. However, I appeal nga sapay koma ta haan lang nga skills da ti improven tayo, nu diket pati metlang ugali da, nu kasano da nga agabalin nga narespeto nga players,” he added.  

Kitongan then assured that the provincial government, headed by Governor James Edduba, the Department of Education, the host municipality, and other concerned offices are doing their best to ensure the safe and successful conduct of the event.