IT’S that time of year again, when the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) will honor countless people who have made the Philippines proud by hosting its annual Awards Night.
Among those who will be featured are the Filipino Olympians, following a memorable record-breaking year for sports.
The event will be held at the Manila Hotel on January 27, 2025.
The country’s oldest media organization, led by President Nelson Beltran, is prepared to award individuals and businesses who shone and made the country proud this year.
Crediting the stars
In a spectacular 2024 campaign, the Philippines raised its game by winning the first-ever double gold medal in the Olympics, courtesy of artistic gymnast Carlos Yulo last July in Paris.
This came three years after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games, which marked the 100th anniversary of Filipino participation in the quadrennial games.
Boxing heroes from the Philippines also came to life in Paris, winning two bronze medals brought by the impressive performances of women’s boxing team’s very own Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.
It can be remembered that when the Golden Boy and his fellow Olympians returned from Paris, they were greeted with a heartfelt Heroes’ Welcome Parade through the crowded streets of Manila.
These athletes also received millions as rewards and incentives from various companies and the Philippine government, with Yulo receiving the most, surpassing the P100 million mark.
Represent the athletes
Yulo and the rest of the Filipino Olympians, including the country’s Paralympic Games representatives, will lead the usual festivities, with the Athlete of the Year award serving as the centerpiece.
Another notable aspect of the presentation is the induction of another Filipino star into the PSA Hall of Fame. Lydia De Vega, the late track and field legend, was the last athlete to receive the honor.
In honor of the country’s centenary participation in the Summer Games, former Filipino Olympians will also get their own moments during the night’s award presentations.
Other awards to presented will be Executive of the Year, National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year, President’s Award, and top performers such as Mr. Basketball and Ms. Volleyball, among others.
Major prize winners in different sports will also be recognized, as will be the traditional citations to various sports figures and persons, as well as the Tony Siddayao Awards and MILO Awards for junior athletes.
A prayer and a minute of silence for the individuals who passed away in the historic year 2024 will also be included in the program, making it an unforgettable celebration.