Pedaling for a dream

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

No matter how hard the circumstances are, as long as you’re reaching for your dream, nothing can stop you.

Every day, it is already a routine for Leonito Jallorina Jr. and his daughter Louraine to buckle up and get ready for a long bicycle ride from Calumpang to the La Paz tennis court.

It is their only means of transportation due to poverty. Leonito’s strong and dependable bike, pedaling to bring Louraine to the tennis court and train under the Iloilo City Sports Development Division Academy free lawn tennis program.

The kid had skills. She can play good tennis. In fact, Louraine is currently in the top 15 of the 10-years old and under category of the Philippine Tennis Association.

While Louraine is out there busy with her training, her father is also busy finding side-jobs just to earn money for his family.

Leonito is jobless and is finding every way to earn every single penny to not only help his family but to also aid Louraine in her ultimate dream of being a tennis champion.

Most of the time, Leonito serves as a “pulot boy” on the tennis court who also was fond of seeing his daughter grow from a beginner to one of the most promising tennis players in the province.

With the inspiring story reaching Executive Assistant for Sports Mr. Rudiver Jungco Sr., the Iloilo City Sports Development Division team found a way to help Leonito and Louraine.

“Maayo gid siya nga player. Dako potential. Very inspiring. Isa si Louraine sa mga role model kung paano ang passion kag dedikasyon sa gusto mo maubra mo gd bisan ano ang ikabudlay sang sitwasyon. Deserving nila buligan sang amay ya,” said Mr. Jungco in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.

Jungco and the rest of the Iloilo City Sports Academy then reached out to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas for the much-needed assistance.

After the meeting, it was decided that the Iloilo City Government will grant Leonito a job hire work to help sustain his family and Louraine’s dream of being the best tennis player she can be.

Until now, Louraine is still an active student under the Iloilo City Sports Academy and together with her father Leonito, will forever be thankful for how a pedal and wheels can turn things around, including their life.

Every pedal Leonito takes is a step closer to Louraine’s dream.