Young baseball players from the Lemery Hunters baseball team in Batangas will represent the Philippines in the Mustang Division of the upcoming PONY International Asia Pacific League in Carmona, Cavite, from June 5 to 7, 2024.

For these athletes, reaching a prestigious tournament has always been a dream, driving them to balance their studies and training.

They are between 10 and 11 years old.

“Pangarap po talaga naming makarating sa ganitong kalaking tournament, at kaya po kami nagsisipag mag-aral at mag-training,” Inocencio Umali, one of the athletes, said.

“‘Di po namin pinababayaan ang paglalaro, lalo na [rin] po ang pag-aaral, kami po ay nagpa-practice kapag galing sa school,” George Alexander Simara, another athlete, added.

The team said that they are prepared to compete against players from China, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

“Ready na po ang team namin na lumaban po sa Asia-Pacific,” Kiefer Williamson Bautista, one of the athletes, said.

Their coach emphasizes the importance of teamwork and discipline to achieve success in the tournament.

Anthony Olaez, coach of the Lemery Hunters, said that the children will bring teamwork and proper discipline to achieve their desired victory in the tournament.

“Nagsikap sila para matuto, gusto nilang marating ‘yung mararating nila ngayon,” Olaez said.

Facing financial challenges in preparing for the competition, the team organized fundraising activities and continues to seek support for their financial needs.

They said that their goal is not only to win in the Asia Pacific tournament but also to represent the Philippines with pride.

The winners of this tournament will represent the Asia Pacific region in the PONY League World Series in the United States in July 2024.