Learn a new sport, meet friends

Learn how to play badminton and football and meet new friends were some of the reasons why sisters Irish and Shane Viray, Jeanine Quilantang, J.D. Jose, Barbara Peteru, and Jose Saures joined the month-long Tan Siu Lin Foundation Summer Camp last July.

Jeanine Quilantang, left photo, and J.D. Jose were among those who joined and participated in the Tan Siu Lin Foundation Summer Camp and Sportsfest. (Jon Perez)

The Sportsfest, which was scheduled in the first week of August, wrapped up last week. The event was delayed after Typhoon Soudelor hit Saipan hard on Aug. 2.

Irish, who started playing football last year and is a member of Shirley’s Under-15 team, said she always wanted to try and learn a new sport that’s why she tried to join the badminton classes.

“I always wanted to be part of the team that’s why I tried football first but I stopped playing for a while after I broke my right leg last year,” said the 12-year-old Viray, who plays defender.

“It’s always an experience to learn a new sport and meet friends. I’m really into sports that’s why I also tried badminton,” added the Hopwood Junior High School student.

Shane, her younger sister who is also in the sixth grade at William S. Reyes Elementary School, said she likes to be active that’s why she both joined badminton and football.

“My sister wanted to try playing badminton, so I thought to also try learning it. I like playing badminton but I would like to concentrate on football. “Sports teaches us how to cooperate and it shows our skills,” said the younger Viray.

Quilantang, who turns 12 next month, first played with her mom and dad when she was then 9 years old.

“They used to bring me in the badminton court so I just started playing with them. And last year, I joined the clinic,” said the Hopwood seventh grader.

“Badminton is a fun sport that’s why I want to learn more on how to properly play it. I like physical education and recreation. I also like to play basketball,” said Quilantang.

Jose, 10, has been playing football for two years now after seeing his classmates. He plays for Kanoa.

“Football is my only sport. I learn new things in playing and it gives me the chance to train and travel,” said Jose.

Peteru, a Dandan Middle School sixth grader, said her father, Panapa, was the main influence for her to try football.

“Seeing my dad play introduced me to football. He then started teaching me the skills like dribbling,” added the Matansa U15 player.

Saures, who was born on Saipan but resides in Guam, said he joined the football camp to have a worthwhile summer here.

“I had no experience and I had no sport. It is really good to learn new stuff. There are a lot of good players. I met a lot of people and had new friends in the camp,” the 11-year-old Saures said.

A total of 141 kids joined this year’s edition of the Tan Siu Lin Summer Camp held every Mondays to Fridays at the TSL Sports Complex in Gualo Rai.