To their family and friends, being in sports will always come naturally. Their parents were former varsity players from their alma mater Our Lady of Peace School (OLPS). Lawn Tennis, Basketball and Volleyball were the sports then. Now, for the second generation Mario, its racquet sports: Tennis, Badminton and Table Tennis.
Now, the stage is set for Carlos Armando “Quimbo” and his sister Cameron Quisha Mario. Completing the Mario roster is Evan. The three of them proudly represented OLPS in tennis, badminton and table tennis.
During the Manila Archdiocesan and Parochial School Association (MAPSA) Sportsfest, the Marios were able to stamp their way showcasing their exceptional athleticism and bringing pride to their school and community.
Carlos Armando or Quimbo has been playing tennis years back when he found his interest while joining his father play tennis as part of his networking at work. Finding the passion for this sport, his Father, Shaq supported him all the way, through practices and joining him in different tournaments.
As for Quisha, she can be considered a late bloomer, when it comes to being a badminton player. But as a natural athlete, her skills will just have to be developed and in not time, she can already participate and compete in important events such as the MAPSA and the City Meet.
“We are happy na engaged sila sa sports, napakaraming tinuturo ng sports pag dating sa life lessons. Mental toughness, isa sa pinka importanteng lesson nila yan sa sports” said Shaq. I didn’t force my kids into sports. I guess they just enjoyed watching us and our friends during our weekend activities. It was like a domino effect. We influenced Quimbo, then Quimbo influenced Quisha, and Quisha influenced Evan. When we saw how much they enjoyed it, we decided to give them proper training. Eventually, it became their passion, and their competitive spirit started to show. As parents, we’re always proud of them. Their achievements are just a bonus. Win or lose, we’re always proud of them. In their generation, not many kids are into sports anymore” added Shaq.
Competitions such as the MAPSA Sportsfest is a prestigious sporting event that gathers young athletes from various member schools of the Manila Private Schools Association (MAPSA). It provides a platform for aspiring athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. And aside from Mario’s proving their mettle, beyond of it all, is the positive values that the sport teaches them.
Seeing their child play and win makes a parent proud. but what makes them even prouder is when they see their child being respectful, being mentally tough, resilient and always doing their best as an athlete. because these traits will be with them even after they stop playing.
” Respect sa opponents, sportsmanship, dedication, preparation, never quitting ang always finishing the game are just few of the lessons they can apply in life”, said Rachel Mario, mother of Evan, and an athlete herself during her stay in OLPS, playing Tennis and Violleyball.
For Evan Mario, his inaugural participation as OLPS’ representative for Table Tennis has made him more hungry, raring to go again in the next competition.
Both Quimbo and Quisha’s impressive performances at the MAPSA Sportsfest highlight their dedication, hard work, and natural talent. Their achievements inspire young athletes to pursue their passion for sports and strive for excellence.
As they continue to train and compete, we look forward to seeing more great things from these talented young athletes.
