DOWNPLAYING their own respective contributions, the country’s top two sports officials on Monday night paid tribute to outstanding athletes, led by weightlifter and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, who made 2021 a glorious golden year in Philippine sports.
Co-architects of the nation’s most successful campaign in last year’s Olympiad, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino felt humbled by the recognition given them by the Philippine Sportswriters Association during the San Miguel Corporation-PSA Awards Night at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
“Together, we were part of Philippine sports history. I share this award with all of you. For I cannot claim this one (award) alone. This award is not mine,” Ramirez said after receiving the PSA Leadership in Excellence Award while sharing the stage with Commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Celia Kiram, Charles Maxey, and Eng. Arnold Agustin.
“One of the reasons that this night is extra special is that we are all celebrating the greatest sports achievement of the Filipino people, our first Olympic gold in Hidilyn Diaz. Coupled with the biggest Olympic medal haul in recent years,” Ramirez said.
He was referring to the silver medals of boxers Nesty Petecio and Carlo Paalam, plus the bronze medal of another ring warrior in Eumir Felix Marcial that capped the country’s epic journey in the Land of the Rising Sun.
“I am blessed to be given a chance to witness this milestone as one of the elders of these excellent Filipino athletes. Taos-pusong pasasalamat po,” said Ramirez of the fruitful and bountiful legacy he is leaving behind as the head of the government sports agency.
“Let’s sustain the Philippine sports momentum para sa ating bayan. Para sa ating kabataan. Let’s work together for the better and successful Philippine sports,” he emphasized.
Ramirez’s sentiments were shared by Tolentino, who was bestowed the PSA Executive of the Year Award.
“This is not for me. This is for the 19 Tokyo Olympians. Para sa kanila ang award na ito, led by our gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz. Para sa kanila ito at hindi para sa kin.
“Ito ay para sa mga atleta, coaches, and officials. Nagsi-simula pa lang po tayo. Mahaba pa po ang ating tatahakin. We will move on. Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat,” he said.
The star of the night was Diaz, who was honored by the country’s oldest media group composed of sports editors and writers, both print and online, for the third time in five years in the grand and festive affair presented by the PSC, POC, and Cignal TV.
