One slides on ice, while the other races with fire. Both know the meaning of speed. Both understand the mechanics of time. In the end, both agree that what really matters is learning, while having fun! Frozone and Daschelle Parr from the movie The Incredibles? Naah…just two grade school students from Xavier School.

      Jan Clarence Dee and Javier Benitez of grade 4 section A are having the time of their lives, playing their favorite sport, and excelling at it. Jan is into Hockey Racing and Javi is into Karting. They both have won distinctions in their respective sports.

      Jan competed in the Hockey Racing category last Nov. 17, 2004 in the SM Skate Manila Competition held in SM Megamall. He emerged as the winner of three gold medals for all three events, hockey race, puck handling and speed skating. He was surprised at the result of the competition since the announcement was made after all competitors had competed in all the events. Nevertheless he was proud at what he has achieved because, he started skating when he was only in third grade. His mom and sister are also into skating but Jan followed the call of his heart, the risky sport of hockey. From then on, he has loved the smell of ice and the sleek sound of his skates on the rink.

      The events he won in the competition are actually basic skills needed to play team hockey. Aside from speed, agility and alertness, Jan nurtures the values of hope and hard work in his chosen sport. These values are translated in his academics. He strives for good grades thus, getting an honorable mention last quarter. He prides himself for getting his highest grade in CLE, so far. This fourth grade hockey racing hero will always keep his student roles on top of his priorities.

      In the classroom, he enjoys Math with Ms. Mel Claro and Art with Mr. Benjie Isorena. He likes to draw and paint if not studying or if he’s out of the skating rink. Like any ten year old, he hangs out and plays badminton with friends. One of them is Javi Benitez, his classmate who happens to be an athlete just like him.

      Javi’s affair with karting was inspired by his Uncle Manny. He was just tagging along with his cousin one day in the karting track, when his uncle invited him to try out a kart. Unafraid, he took the wheel and he was karting in no time. He loved it! Since that day on, he has dedicated himself to training, going as far as Carmona, Cavite to practice. Last November 10, 2004, in Macau, China, Javi raced to the top. He brought home the cup for landing 5th place in the 2004 Asian Karting Championship. It was his first international competition and that makes the victory so sweeet.

      For Javi, karting in itself is the reward. Controlling the wheel and the pedals at the same time requires coordination. To master this basic skill, he disciplines himself to stay focused at every practice and in every race. It is a dangerous sport though, that is why, it is important to take the necessary precautions. It is a must for him to wear his helmet and safety gear. When he is behind the wheel, he keeps a prayer in his heart and a strong confidence to reach the finish line safe and sound.

      In school, he maintains a good academic standing. He is a student first of all, and his other interests follow. His favorite subject is Science and he appreciates his class adviser so much because, according to him, she rarely gets mad, always has a joke or two to share, and is never boring. What he is learning in school helps him appreciate the simple but fundamental skills needed to succeed in the sport he loves so much. Self discipline, focus and faith, confidence and coordination, all of these go hand in hand in keeping the balance between sports and academics.

      Javi and Jan are like fire and ice. They are so different from each other, but both have the intensity to pursue and live their dreams… and have fun along the way.

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