ATHLETES and sports personalities who made the year more colorful with their contribution share their New Year’s resolutions and aspirations for 2012.
Loren Dale Echavez (champion swimmer):
Churchill was right in saying that “Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” I intend to make 2012 the year I learn big lessons from the mistakes I’ve made. This translates to training harder after setbacks, playing passionately after discouragement, and thinking carefully after decisional blunders.
Paolo Pascual (Philippine Azkals goalkeeper):
My New Year’s resolution would be to be closer to God and to continue spreading football everywhere in the Philippines, especially to the kids.
Bernardine Siso (tennis champion):
To save and get good grades. And, to improve my tennis career.
Ricky Ballesteros (DepEd Sports Committee Cebu City Division chairman):
My New Year’s resolution is to stay fit and have more physical activities. My aspirations are to complete the full cycle of the Milo Little Olympics after winning the grandslam; and Palaro champion for team CVIRAA and sporty year ahead for Cebu .
Sally Dine Siso (tennis champion):
Study harder. Aim for the Dean’s list. Practice tennis harder. Be a more responsible student-athlete.
Arthur Craig “Igi” Diaz Pantino (tennis champion):
Spending my money wisely, be more obedient to my parents, put more effort in my practice, balance with my studies, and stay humble as always.
Johnny Arcilla (Philippine tennis no.1):
Stay healthy, avoid injuries, that’s my New Year’s resolution.
Ralph Arche (Triathlete/swimmer):
Pass an exam, improve personal records, a shot at Kona if slots are awarded.
Mariano “Nonong” Araneta (Philippine Football Federation president):
Focus more on our grassroots programs and regional youth tournaments.
Oliver Colina (Little Azkals head coach):
For the team, improve their performance. Personally, ma-change nako akong mga negative traits.
Jerie Marlon “Koko” Pingoy (UAAP secondary basketball MVP):
Sleep early and practice more. /Correspondent Mars G. Alison