Hayco says CESAFI’s community service a humbling experience, not punishment

CEBU, Philippines - A humbling experience, not punishment.

For Cebu City Sports Commission chairman Edward Hayco, that is how Janwein Wisdom Ceniza of the University of Southern Philippines Panthers should see things as he begins today his ‘community service’ – a first in the history of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. - by imparting his basketball know-how to students of Lahug Elementary School.

Ceniza is compelled to do such after being ejected for committing two unsportsmanlike fouls during their game against  the University of San Carlos Warriors in the 15th CESAFI men’s basketball tournament last Sunday at the Cebu Coliseum.

Under the revised CESAFI rules on misbehaving players, coaches or team officials, a four-hour community service has been added to the customary penalty of one-game suspension and P5,000 fine.

But Hayco said it should not be viewed upon as punishment, rather a good opportunity to reach out to others.

Before assigning him to a suitable institution where he could share his athletic skills to the young ones, Hayco said they explained to Ceniza the advocacy and principle behind the grassroots program of the sports commission and why he was sent to the program.

“The briefing of Ceniza was a very constructive one. We made him understand that the community service he is assigned to should not be viewed by him as punishment, but rather a humbling experience and provide the athlete a chance to see things from the other side of the fence,” said Hayco.

“To provide him a responsibility would be an eye opener. Although four hours is not enough but it’s a start,”  added the one-time ‘Sportsman of the Year’ awardee by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu.

Hayco said they encouraged Ceniza to draw positive insights from the program and continue even after the four-hour span of his community outreach.

“In fairness, Ceniza seems to be a nice guy. Sports just have a way of bringing out the best or the worst in a person,” said Hayco.

True enough. With sports as one of the best metaphors for life, one can have a glimpse of a person’s character even by just watching a certain game. — EBV (FREEMAN)