THE two sports federations whose athletes proudly flew the country’s flag in the Tokyo Olympics will be honored in the March 14 San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Annual Awards Night at the Diamond Hotel.
The Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas and the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines will share the National Sports Association of the Year Award, having played crucial roles in the Philippines’ most glorious Olympic campaign ever.
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz delivered the historic first Olympic gold medal for the country, while boxers Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, and Eumir Marcial accounted for three other medals to cap the Filipino delegation’s most productive stint in its history of Olympic participation.
SWP president Monico Puentevella and ABAP chief Ricky Vargas are expected to receive the award on behalf of their respective associations during the special event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Cignal TV.
Vargas has been succeeded by former executive director Ed Picson as head of the country’s governing body for boxing.
This marks the first time the weightlifting association will be honored by the country’s oldest media organization, while ABAP will be feted with the same award for the third straight year.
Diaz, 31, will receive the 2021 Athlete of the Year award during the gala night backed by Milo, 1Pacman, Philippine Basketball Association, Philracom, Rain or Shine, ICTSI, Chooks To Go, MVP Sports Foundation, and Smart.
Paalam and Petecio won silver medals while Marcial bagged a bronze. They will be honored with major awards.
The three medals won by ABAP was the most by the federation in its long history of competing in the quadrennial showpiece.
