Bowling teaches kids discipline, says Paeng
MANILA, Philippines – Legendary Filipino bowler Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno attributes his longevity to maintaining a healthy lifestyle while encouraging kids to take up sports.
At 45, Nepomuceno, named as the “Greatest International Bowler of all Time”, still continues to compete abroad. In fact, he’s now in Barnsley, England competing in the World Tenpin Masters.
While there, he’s also slated to receive the Mort Luby Jr. Distinguished Service Award from the World Bowling Writers, an association of journalists and industry leaders and officials.
The award recognizes his efforts to develop bowling as a sport. As International Ambassador for the US Bowling Congress, he has been going around the world to train and certify coaches.
In an interview with INQUIRER.net, Nepomuceno said that he has always encouraged kids to get into sports, particularly bowling, because it is a sport where Filipinos can excel.
“You don’t need height like in basketball. In boxing, you need strength. Bowling is also a game of coordination, accuracy, and timing,” said Nepomuceno, who holds the record for the most number of World Cup wins, having won the prestigious tournament four times.
He is also the youngest bowler to win the World Cup, winning it the first time when he was only 19 years old.
Bowling, he said, teaches discipline, which he describes as the “very foundation of every winning athlete” in whatever sport.
He added: “Bowling has also taught me the value of perseverance. It has taught me determination not to be intimidated. Even when competing with Westerners, I know Filipinos can be better.”
A consummate athlete, he keeps himself fit swimming, cycling, running, and working out in the gym.
“I’ve always believed that bowling is a mental game. Being healthy is the secret to be a better athlete than the rest. Mental health is very important. There should be balance, psychologically, physically, and spiritually,” Nepomuceno said.
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