CEBU, Philippines – Two young student athletes from Lapu-Lapu City were acknowledged by Mayor Paz Radaza after representing Visayas in two separate national competitions in October.
Desireiy Padilla, 14, a third year high school student from Gun-ob National High School brought home two gold medals after winning the vault apparatus gymnastics at the National Milo Little Olympics on October 24-26.
Meanwhile, nine-year-old Andy Familiar, who is currently studying in Gun-ob Elementary School, bagged one bronze medal at the Batang Pinoy 2014 last October 27-31.
Padilla and Familiar received cash amounting to P12,000 and P8,000, respectively, from Mayor Radaza. The amounts were said to come from the mayor's personal coffers.
According to Brie Escopete, city's gymnastics coach for the two young athletes, the two sporting competitions were held in Metro Manila.
Radaza said she felt proud that the two young children competed in the nationals and have placed Lapu-Lapu City on the national sports map.
Before both competitions, Escopete said the two athletes held their practice every day without fail.
Earlier, Radaza said she will support the youth's interest in the world of sports.
According to her, sports facilities are about to be launched at the Hoops Dome in Barangay Gun-ob after a skate park was opened there last Sunday.
She also encouraged young people to get involved in sports and other recreational activities rather than engage themselves in doing illegal activities.