INC Unity Games 2012 finals: Vitaliano prepares for Gold Medal in Tennis

Dennis O. Vitaliano Jr. and his tennis stance

DENNIS O. VITALIANO JR., a Kadiwa (youth, more than 18 years old), from Lagro, Metro Manila Central sets his mind for Gold Medal in lawn tennis today in the much-awaited final rounds of Iglesia Ni Cristo Unity Games at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila.

Dennis in Tennis 

Dennis is a varsity player and an incoming fifth year Bachelor of Sports Science student of University of the Philippines (U.P.). He started playing tennis since fourth year high school in Lagro HS.

During his early secondary education, his grandfather, father and uncle served as his inspiration to pursue sports career. He said, he was ridiculed by opponents on how awkward he played tennis.  From then on, he promised himself: “mag-aaral ako ng tennis at tatalunin ko kayong lahat,” (I will learn tennis and I will win over these people who mocked me).

He took it though in positive stance as he matures. With focus, determination, perseverance, self-discipline and relentless passion in tennis and sports, he managed to train daily from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. It even came to a point when he found himself crying due to hardships in life.

His sacrifices were nothing compared when he was admitted in U.P. after his try-outs and became consistent university varsity scholar backed in 2007.  From then on, his skills and confidence were more enhanced in pursuit to build his sports profession.

Vital Vitaliano 

MM Central takes the lead in lawn tennis over his opponent from Bulacan South.  Photo credit from https://www.facebook.com/inc.unitygames

Dennis is a multi-awarded player in his university.  Just recently, he was awarded “UP Outstanding Athlete Award;”  a bronze medalist in UAAP seasons 70 to 72; fourth place awardee in UAAP seasons 73 to 74.  He also played in different parts of the country such as in Dumaguete, Iloilo and Roxas, Capiz to represent his school.

He was the Silver medalist in lawn tennis category in INC unity games last year. He hopes and prays for Gold Medal this year as his prime goal and to bring back glory to God.

Dennis dreams Big

“Pangarap kong maging number 1 sa ranking sa Pilipinas o kung hindi man ay maging isang magaling na coach,” Dennis relayed his dreams someday to be number one in tennis or become a great coach.

He loved tennis because he is happy doing it. He said, “It was not an easy sports but with positive mental attitude, discipline and strong determination to enhance the skill, a player can excel.”

“It is because of tennis that I am free to study in U.P., full scholar with allowance per semester. It is also because of tennis that I was known in Quezon City in all tennis courts. I am so happy that I have more friends through this kind of interest. I even taught new trainees on how to play and once in a while get extra income from it,” Dennis related in extreme joy. Monica Moral, Binhi category (17 years old and below) is one of his trainees, with zero skill and knowledge in tennis. Dennis taught her in less than a month time and now in the final rounds in this unity games. Vitaliano will be more than happy to see his trainee like Monica in flying colors. Here, tennis builds teamwork among players to win the goal, unity and camaraderie among other things.

Dennis Advises the Youth 
Here are his messages to the youth: 

1) Sports is important in our life because it will make you physically fit, with strong body and sharp mind; 

2) It builds camaraderie and sportsmanship among us; 

3) Having preoccupied with sports, we can avoid bad influence, bad habits and vices like smoking, drugs using and being addicted to computer games; 

4) Focus in a sport you love and excel in it and who knows it may even bring you great fortune like mine to be a scholar and with more friends.

Tennis benefits family

Tennis can be a great sport for our family.  It is also a sport for kids to learn early in life.  It is not even too late for adults, too!  According to scientists and physicians, tennis develops great benefits physically, mentally and emotionally.  It is truly a sport for a lifetime. It burns calories; fine-tune balance and motor skills; improves speed, acceleration and hand-eye coordination, all while having fun!

Photo credit from Dennis Vitaliano

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Reference: http://www.scta.usta.com/About-Us/benefits_of_tennis/

Pinoy Vision loves Tennis!