Zamboanga City— Providing an avenue for young Mindanao Peace Games (MPG) delegates to learn more about being a student-athlete, this year’s MPG hosted a TED Talk at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) on the third day of the event, October 27.

According to Coach Rey Reyes, the Chair of the University Athletics Council of AdZU, TED talks have been an integral component of MPG for the past five years because it allows the speakers to impart their knowledge and experiences in sports to the women-athletes of MPG.

This year, the TED talk boasted three esteemed speakers: Coach Wemir Joy C. Cupin of the La Salle University-Ozamiz. Kathleen Camille Rodriguez, a member of the National Women Football Team, and MPG Convenor and AdDU Athletics Director Noli Ayo.

“I think it’s a really good opportunity for the girls… to collaborate.” Kathleen Rodriguez said, referring to the events of MPG. “With this opportunity… I think what’s important is we have a chance, and this is what MPG is doing.”

Aside from the TED talks, the event was also open for questions and sharing from the side of the audience.

Maria Carmela Ontolan, a La Salle University-Ozamiz volleyball player and a three-time MPG delegate, expressed how the TED talk has helped her see more of her value as an athlete in a team.

“TED talk contributed to me a lot: advices, maka-tuon ko sa mga speakers especially ni coach Noli. Even if dili kay’ka first six sa imohang team but as long as maka-contirbute ka sa imong team, na makatabang ka in a way na masuportahan mo sila, you’re part of the team.”

Furthermore, table tennis player from AdDU and nursing student Reina Adrianna Dablo conveyed that the TED talk made her realize that her sport has been a stress-reliever amidst pressure she faces academically.

“Murag ang sports gud kay mura siya’g kanang window gud na kanang murag break nimo ba, pampawala stress.” she said. “Sa course man gud nako, sa Nursing kay lisod jud siya…unya pag mag-pingpong gud ko kay kanang, mugaan ang akong feeling and kanang ma-satisfy ko.”