FORMER national table tennis player, national coach and University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics athletic director Oscar Santelices passed away early yesterday morning. He was 59.
“The UP Table Tennis Team is saddened to announce the passing of coach Oscar Yoshihiro Santelices. He was an integral part of the team’s history, growth and success,” the team posted on the late coach’s Facebook page. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his beloved family. Rest easy coach Oskie. Thank you for all that you done for the team. You will continue to live in our hearts and memories.”
“Coach Oskie had an impeccable work ethic as a faculty member of UP CHK. Hindi po matatawaran ang ibinigay at inalay na panahon ni coach Osky sa bawat varsity athlete na pinagsilbihan niya bilang varsity director,” UP CHK dean Francis said in his personal tribute.
“May eternal rest be granted and may our Lord’s perpetual light shine on you Coach Osky.”
“He (Santelices) was my coach when I was a member of the national team. I will surely miss him and the local table tennis community mourns his passing. He had contributed greatly to the development of our sport,” noted Philippine Table Tennis Federation president Ting Ledesma.
