Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara encouraged over 4,000 athletes from the six provinces and two cities of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to continue striving to represent the country in international sports competitions.

“To our learner athletes in the Cordillera, the home to the country’s highest peaks, bago makarating sa tuktok, kailangan mo munang suungin ang matarik na trail at nakakanginig na lamig, pagod at puyat. Every struggle is a test but those who refuse to quit will stand at the top and sports is no different (before you reach the peak, you need to hurdle the steep slopes, chilly weather, tiredness and lack of sleep. Every struggle is a test but those who refuse to quit will stand at the top and sports is no different),” Angara said.

The DepEd chief was guest speaker during the opening of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) meet on Sunday at the Wangal Sports Complex in La Trinidad, Benguet.

The province is the host of the annual grassroots athletic event in the Cordillera which is facilitated by the DepEd.

He said Olympic gold medalists Carlos Yulo and Hidilyn Diaz, and world champion EJ Obiena also had their share of losses before they reached the peak of success.

“If you remember, Hidilyn lost in Beijing and London Olympics before she got a silver in Rio De Janiero and the gold in Tokyo Olympics. Same with Carlos who had many losses before he got the two gold medals in the Olympics. Even EJ strived to reach his goal and to triumph,” Angara said as an encouragement to the grassroots-level athletes.

He said competitions are not just about collecting medals.

“Ito ay tungkol sa araw-araw nating katapangan na harapin ang buhay (This is also about daily life which we face with courage) facing the challenges, facing up to the challenges, facing the challenges, facing up to the challenges),” Angara said.

He said half of the battle is showing up in the matches and giving one’s best because while it is true that not all will become champions, not all will go up the podium, every athlete will have the chance to show his or her fighting stance with courage, discipline, and integrity.

“This year, we are not just playing for gold but for something bigger and better. I challenge all of you to fight fiercely but fairly. Win with humility and lose with dignity, honor your school your province your Cordilleran roots,” he added.

Angara said that in the Palarong Pambansa which will be held in Ilocos Norte in May, weightlifting and pole vaulting will be included as new competition areas.

Meanwhile, Angara congratulated Cordillera for topping the medal tally for wushu and taekwondo during the last Palarong Pambansa in Cebu. (PNA)