THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) had once again gathered outstanding women in sports in a two-session ceremony held recently at the PSC Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Through the office of PSC Women-in-Sports oversight Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, more than 70 women icons in sports were awarded their commemorative rings, following the inaugural Women in Sports Awards Night held last March at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The ceremony saw the likes of the Philippines’ only Woman Grandmaster in chess Janelle Mae Frayna, Long Jump Queen Elma Muros-Posadas, first Paralympics medalist Adeline Dumapong, and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, who was awarded the Flame Award last March.
“I’m happy to be here. To be surrounded by these women in sports who have the same mindset, the same goal na mas lalo pang dumami ‘yong women na mag-eexcel sa sports,” said Diaz when asked what it meant to be part of the ceremony.
The event also made room for comprehensive discussions on social topics which mostly touch on women in sports — gender inclusivity, violence against women and girls in sports, and women athletes with special needs.
“This is a step forward in promoting gender equality with the Philippine sports industry. We believe that the voices of our female athletes and leaders are essential in shaping the future of sports,” stated Commissioner Coo in the two-session ceremony.
The first awarding session handed commemorative rings to Francesca Altomonte (Softball), Jemyca Aribado (Squash), Marisa Barinda (Lawn bowls), Joyce Gail Reboton (Powerlifting), Sydney Sy-Tancontian (Sambo), Cristina Vergara (Wrestling), coach Precious Aguilar (Obstacle Course Racing), coach Precious Ocaya-Delarmin (Muay thai), coach Maria Concepcion Fornea (Rowing, Purita Joy Mariño (Archery), coach Ana Maria Santiago (Softball), Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo (Weightlifting), Erlinda Lavandia (Athletics), Elma Muros-Posadas (Athletics), and Comm. Olivia Coo (Bowling).
For the second session, the group was composed of Sandi Menchi Abahan (Obstacle Course Racing), Edelyn de Asis (Para dancesport), Janelle Mae Frayna (Chess), Pia Legaspi Gabriel (Motocross), Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza (Para chess), Shagne Paula Yaoyao (Cycling), Bien Zoleta-Mañalac (Soft tennis), coach Anu de Leon-Brown (Triathlon), coach Haydee Ong (Basketball), Nhea Ann Barcen (Athletics), Carina Dayondon (Mountain Climbing), Adeline Dumapong (Para powerlifting).
