Outstanding sportsmen take center stage today

CEBU, Philippines — All roads lead to The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu as the keenly awaited 38th Sportswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Beer (SAC-SMB) Cebu Sports Awards takes place today (Sunday, May 26).

Starting at 4 p.m., the speciel event will pay homage to over a hundred of Cebu’s most outstanding athletes and sports personalities after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among those who will be honored are renowned sports physician Dr. Rhoel Dejano and Philippine Sports Commissioner Edward Hayco.

Dejano will receive the Rico Navarro Trophy as Sportsman of the Year, Hayco, known as the “Father of Cebu dancesport” and a driving force behind Cebu City’s highly successful grassroots program, is the Presidential awardee.

Also climbing the stage to get the ORLACSAN Award are four selfless sportsmen in Jeff Codera, Jerry Maratas, Jeah Gacang, and Jessica Honoridez. They have made noteworthy contributions to the local sports community, particularly during the dire times brought about by the global health crisis.

In a sentimental tribute, SAC will give five “Posthumous Awards” to individuals who left a lasting legacy in Cebu’s sports landscape. They are Enrico David “Rico” S. Navarro, Atty. George P. Bragat Sr., Dionisio “Diony” Cañete, Ricky Ballesteros, and Rafael “Raffy” Uytiepo.

Also highlighting the momentous occasion is the recognition of 19 major awardees from various sports.

They are June Mar Fajardo (basketball), Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem (boxing), Margielyn Didal (skateboarding), Trixie Lofranco (arnis), Maria Ella Alcoseba (arnis), Dexler Bolambao (arnis), Rubilen Amit (billiards), Junia Gabasa (golf), Angelo Marquez (dancesport), Polaris Esports (Esport), Eliecha Zoey Malilay (jiu-jitsu), Ellise Xoe Malilay (jiu-jitsu), Angel Sanchez (jiujitsu), William John Riley Go (karting), Margielyn Didal (skateboarding), Aidaine Krishia Laxa (taekwondo), Matthew Justine Hermosa (triathlon) Elreen Ando (weightlifting), and Ronil Tubog (wrestling).

In addition, a total of 142 athletes and teams will receive special citations during the awards ceremony— a shining testament to Cebu’s talent depth in sports. — (FREEMAN)