Sports champs feted
Thirty-two (32) athletes who competed in the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Hanoi, Vietnam, from May 12 to May 23 were honored during the city hall flag raising ceremonies last Monday.
With a medal tally of 7 golds, 12 silver and 13 bronze; the athletes were commended through a city resolution; with forthcoming cash incentives of P60,000 for gold, P40,000 for silver and P30,000 for bronze medal, per athlete. The cash incentives shall be given after due evaluation of documents in compliance with City Ordinance 47, 2021.
The local athletes were among the national 641 athletes competing in 38 sports; trained with proper guidance and mentorship of their Baguio coaches and trainers.
In the resolution of commendation, the council said that the “Baguio athletes performed exceptionally well in their respective sporting events.”
The council also expressed recognition to the SEA Games as an “international sporting event where the city emphasizes strong support to Baguio athletes who continuously dream big amidst the present uncertainties.”
“The outstanding performances of our athletes have portrayed unquestionable discipline and sports excellence perfected through years of training and dedication that serve as inspiration for the whole country and are worthy of emulation … specially to the youth,” the resolution states.
Bronze medalists and their sports events are: James Palicte, Boxing lightweight; Riza Pascuit, Boxing, 57 kg; April Joy La Madrid, Muaythai combat, 60 kg women’s, Emmanuel Cantores, Kickboxing, 60kg; Honorio Banario, kickboxing, 70 kg; Josie Gabuco, boxing, 45-48kg; Nesthy Petecio, Boxing, 57-60kg; Estie Gay Liwanen, Kurash, 57kg; Gideon Fred Padua, Wushu, Sanda 60kg; Divine Wally, Wushu, womens sanda 48 kg; Zephania Ngaya, Vovinam, 60 kg; Jenelyn Olsim, Vovinam, 55 kg; Ariel Lee Lampacan Muaythai, Combat 54 kg; Jones Llabres Inso, Wushu Taolu.
Jones Llabres Taolu also competed in Wushu Taolu Taijiquan and garnered one silver medal. Other silver medalists are: Carlo Von Buminaang, Vovinam, 65 kg; Justin Kobe Macario and Jeordan Dominguez, Taekwondo, mixed freestyle team poomsae; Irish Magno, Boxing, 51kg; Minalyn Foy-os, Wrestling freestyle 57kg; Charmea Quelino, Kurash, 52kg; Helen Aclopen, Kurash, 48kg; Renalyn Dacquel, kickboxing, 48 kg full contact, Zephania Ngaya, kickboxing 65kg; Claudine Veloso, kickboxing 52 kg; Steph Sabalo, with Michael Angelo Marquez, dancesports, Jive and SCRPJ.
The seven gold medalists are Jean Claude Saclag, 63.5 kg kickboxing; Gina Iniong-Araos, kickboxing 60 kg; Islay Erika Bomogao, with Richien Yosorez, Muaythai; Eumir Felix Marcial, Boxing 75 kg; Rogel Ladon, Boxing, 52 kg; Ian Clark Bautista, Boxing, 56 kg.
The resolution was given as a measure of pride and gratitude to the deserving athletes.
According to City Sports Coordinator Gaudencio Gonzales, the athletes’ training venues include the Baguio Athletic Bowl, Teacher’s Camp and even the Benguet State University grounds in La Trinidad, Benguet, with support and in coordination with official entities: the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the National Sports Associations.
The athletes were joined by the elected city officials who just took their oath, during the ceremonies. – Julie G. Fianza
