Six Taekwondo players from Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation brought home medals in the 2021 SMART/MVPSF ONLINE CALABARZON Inter-School Poomsae & Speed Kicking Championships, hosted by the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) Region 4A on October 16 – 17, 2021 via Facebook Live.
For speed kicking, the team got two gold medals from Dexter Rey Saguiped for Senior Male Fin Weight Speed Kicking and Sehdrix Urciana for Senior Male Bantam Speed Kicking.
Furthermore, the team settled for two silver medals for Poomsae: Julius Frank Tano for Advance Poomsae Jr Male and Zachary Jazz G. Ramboyong for Poomsae Cadet Male Novice 2, and a bronze from Rhythm Lean G. Ramboyong for Poomsae Jr Male Novice 2.
Meanwhile, Chareyza Erlieana M. Garcia was ranked 5th for Advance Poomsae, Cadet Female.
When asked what the MSEUF players’ edge had over other competitors, “Hard work and dedication to win ” is what Coach Shiela shared.
Still, behind the glory of these victories were the efforts of the taekwondo players, who despite the pandemic, trained online via the Zoom Application Program under the supervision of Coach Shiela. This proved to be difficult at first, but they were able to adjust and learn through the athletes’ determination and diligence. Gradually, they were able to join local, national, and even international competitions.
“Keep on training, focus on the goal set for them, remember, the one who gives up does not become a champion, and the champions are those athletes who repeatedly fall and stand up again to continue the dream they started,” Coach Shiela said as advice to his team.
“Don’t forget to thank their parents for their unending support to achieve their goals, and most of all, thank God who has given strength and talent to each of us,” he added.
Truly, the University’s taekwondo athletes emulated the positive characteristics that taekwondo accumulated to them, such as discipline, confidence, and determination that made them who they are today.