Opponent
You are my adversary, but you are not my enemy.
For your resistance gives me strength.
Your will gives me courage.
Your spirit ennobles me.
And though I aim to defeat you, should I succeed, I will not humiliate you.
Instead, I will honor you.
For without you, I am a lesser man.
Taken from the Celebrate Humanity: Promoting the Olympic Image Campaign.
I suddenly remembered this poem on the eve of the UAAP semifinal’s game between UST and ADMU. UAAP games are very intense because of the fierce loyalty that both sides have to their Alma Mater. And that core trait is what makes the UAAP games so fun to watch. Because as a fan and as a player, there is a personal attachment to each missed free throw, each personal foul and each made shot. Each act or accomplishment on the playing field is said to define the school and its alumni.
What other sports forum can match this same intensity? I’d have to say the next near thing would have to be the Olympics, because this time a Nation’s Honor and Pride is at stake.
I think it would only be apt that as either a player or as a fan that we keep the message of this poem in mind. We need opposition in our life to give us meaning and and as motivation for improvement, what we don’t need are enemies. So I hope we think first before we do or say something that will turn our opponents into enemies. Easier said than done huh?, when the heat of the moment gets to you. 
To view the Celebrate Humanity Campaign (narrated by Robin Williams) click on the link below.
Tags: Celebrate Humanity, Opponent, UAAP Season 70