07-08-2025
Xavy Nunag's advice to parents with kids in sports: 'Protect their joy'
Xavy Nunag, former UAAP basketball commissioner, encouraged parents with kids in sports to stay involved and let the children have fun.
According to him, parents and coaches sometimes have skewed views when it comes to sports, especially with records and accolades seeming to be highlighted more often than character building.
'Sports should be fun. So protect their joy,' Nunag said. 'So please, stay close, stay steady, stay involved.'
Aside from being a former UAAP commissioner, Nunag played for the University of the Philippines during his college days and served as the coach of the Ateneo de Manila University high school team.
Nunag, who wrote a book called "Unseen Wins: For Parents and Coaches Who Still Believe in Doing What's Right' that tackles the importance of sports in a child's growth, emphasized that adults should allow kids to be independent in facing challenges, as well as being a constant presence for the young athletes.
'They don't need to be perfect, they just need you. Be the constant,' he added.
He also touched upon the importance of values, enjoying the journey, and the foundation that kids get through sports which will benefit them in the long run.
'I did not write this book because I have all the answers. I wrote it because I have seen what happens when we get it wrong,' said Nunag.
—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News
