CITING her struggles in her checkered amateur boxing career, back-to-to-back Olympic Games veteran Nesthy Petecio encouraged all women that “you are capable, you are powerful, and you are unstoppable.”
“To all the strong, fearless and inspiring women out there, every challenge you face is a challenge to grow stronger. Lahat ng pag-subok na dumadating sa atin ay may dahilan – either to teach us a lesson or to push to do something greater,” Petecio said when she received her Woman Athlete of the Year Award during the PSC’s All-Women Sports Awards at the Century Park Sheraton ballroom last Saturday night.
The bubbly athlete, who won a silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and a bronze in last year’s Paris Summer Games, stressed that “women carry strength in our hearts, resilience in our souls and courage in our spirit.
“Whatever role you play: an athlete, a servicewoman – I am a proud member of the Philippine Coast Guard – or a mother, a daughter or a dreamer, you matter. Hindi mo kailangan humingi ng permiso para mangarap. You are enough, you are strong and you are one of a kind.”
She urged all female athletes, coaches and sports executives present at the grand celebration organized by the Philippine Sports Commission in celebration of International Women’s Month “to support and uplift each other.
“The world needs more women who dare to dream, break barriers and never back down. Don’t forget that you are kind, you are amazing and you are important. Sa lahat ng kababaihan diyan, laban lang po hanggang walang ginto.”
She felt privileged and honored to receive the Women in Sports Athletes of the Year Award, saying: “This is one of my bucket lists. Na-unlock ko na.”
Petecio’s sentiments were echoed by her fellow awardees, including physically challenged athletes who were also recognized at the event.
“Napakasaya po lalo na sa aming mga atleta na may kapansanan na makakuha ng award katulad nito,” said wheelchair thrower Cendy Asusano, who won three golds in the World Para Grand Prix in New Delhi, India and arrived just hours earlier and proceeded straight from the airport to attend the program.
“Malaking confidence booster po ito. First time ko makatanggap ng ganito. Hindi ko ma-i-explain ang sayang aking nadarama,” added the athlete, who was born with a spine injury and had been bound to a wheelchair as she grew up.
“Actually, hindi ko po ito ini-expect,” said national women’s para chess team veteran Atty. Cheyzer Mendoza, who bagged a gold and silver medal in the 23rd International Association of Chess with Physical Disability World Individual Chess Championship last year in Gyumri, Armenia.
“We feel honored and siyempre excited because this is part of the celebration of International Women’s Month, especially for our sector with disabilities,” said Mendoza, whose left leg was amputated due to a vehicular accident.
Although not present, Paris Olympic hurdler Lauren Hoffman also expressed her appreciation for being a PSC Women in Sports Awardee.
“I think it’s important to celebrate everything women athletes have achieved this past year. This year I’m excited to see what we can accomplish and I’m excited to cheer everyone else on in their respective sports! It is always an honor to raise the flag with my fellow Filipina athletes!” Hoffman exclaimed.
