Sports stars to shine at PSA rites

Tuesday, 23 February 2010 06:05 PM Jay Salazar

The top sports officials of the country are expected to lead the distinguished guests gathering at the Manila Hotel on March 1, the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night.

Long-time International Olympic Committee (IOC) representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco, and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping have all been invited to grace the event with their presence, according to a report from The Philippine Star.

The heads of the various National Sports Associations (NSA), as well as various supporters of Philippine sports, will also be present to pay homage to the athletes who have made outstanding accomplishments in the past year. Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, who has been named Athlete of the Decade, is one of the 76 achievers who will be recognized by the PSA.

Sharing the stage with Pacquiao are the recipients of the Athlete of the Year award, an all-female quintet consisting of pool player Rubilen Amit, long jumper Marestella Torres, and taekwondo jins Cecille Alarilla, Janice Lagman and Rani Ann Ortega.

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, who has often aired his views on sports, is the guest of honor at the annual affair, which is also presented by Smart, Pacific Online System Corporation, the Philippine Sports Commission, Harbour Centre and Accel.

The full list of awardees follows.

ATHLETE OF THE DECADE—Manny Pacquiao

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR—Rubilyn Amit, Marestella Torres, Rani Ann Ortega, Janice Lagman, and Camille Alarilla

MAJOR AWARDEES—Arniel Ferreira (athletics), Jayjay Helterbrand (basketball), Rodel Mayol (pro boxing), Donnie Nietes (pro boxing), Brian Viloria (pro boxing), Nonito Donaire Jr (pro boxing), Marvin Sonsona (pro boxing), Annie Albania (amateur boxing), Efren “Bata” Reyes (billiards), Francisco “Django” Bustamante (billiards), Wesley So (chess), Joel Calderon (cycling), Elmer Salvador (men’s golf), Chihiro Ikeda (women’s golf), John Baylon (judo), Cecil Mamiit (tennis), Francis Casey Alcantara (tennis), Jesse B. Guce (Jockey of the Year), Don Enrico (Horse of the Year).

SPECIAL AWARDS—Gold medalists in 2009 Laos SEA Games

NSA OF THE YEAR—Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa)

TONY SIDDAYAO AWARD—Patricia Llena, Carlos Philippe Winsett Palanca

CITATIONS—Ajay Pathak, Dragon Boat Team, Ateneo Blue Eagles, Lily Picante, Hong Sung Chon, Philippine Olympic Festival, Josephine Medina, Ernie Gawilan, Enzo Pastor, Jonathan Tiu

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