Fajardo, Quiambao, Morado De Guzman Honored at the 2024 PSA Awards Night
A Significant Event for Volleyball and Basketball Athletes
In a highly anticipated evening filled with excellence in sports, the Philippine Sportswriters Association—San Miguel Corporation (SMC-PSA) Awards Night is set to take place at the Manila Hotel on January 27, 2024. This prestigious event celebrates athletes who have made remarkable contributions to sports over the past year. Among the honorees are standout stars June Mar Fajardo, Kevin Quiambao, and Jia Morado-De Guzman.
Honored Stars
June Mar Fajardo: A Basketball Icon
June Mar Fajardo, one of the Philippines’ premier basketball players, will reaffirm his status by receiving the coveted 2024 Mr. Basketball Award. Standing tall at 6 feet 10 inches, Fajardo had an outstanding season, securing his eighth PBA Most Valuable Player Award. He led the San Miguel Beermen to consecutive Finals appearances, including a championship victory in the Commissioner’s Cup. Fajardo also played a key role in the Gilas Pilipinas‘ campaign during the FIBA Olympic Qualification Tournament in Riga, Latvia.
Kevin Quiambao: Rising Basketball Talent
At 23 years old and 6 feet 7 inches tall, Kevin Quiambao will also be honoured with the Mr. Basketball title. Quiambao emerged as a dominant force in collegiate basketball, leading De La Salle University to consecutive UAAP Finals and earning MVP titles in both seasons. He is also a key member of the national team, contributing significantly to the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers and the Asian Cup.
Jia Morado-De Guzman: Respected Volleyball Star
Jia Morado-De Guzman, a 5-foot-7 volleyball star, will be recognized with the Ms. Volleyball Award. Her noteworthy contributions to the national team and her leadership as captain of Alas Pilipinas—winning a bronze medal at the SEA Women’s Volleyball League—have cemented her legacy. Morado-De Guzman was also named Best Setter at the Asian Women’s Volleyball Challenge Cup.
The Importance of the Awards
The SMC-PSA Awards Night is more than just an event to recognize athletic achievements; it serves as a platform to honour the remarkable contributions of Philippine athletes while inspiring younger generations to pursue their passion for sports.
Support from Organizations
This celebration is made possible through the support of various organizations and individuals, including the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, and others. Such collaboration ensures a meaningful and grand ceremony to honour excellence in sports.
Carlos Yulo: Athlete of the Year
In addition to the three distinguished athletes, Carlos Yulo, a gymnast, will be named the 2024 Athlete of the Year. Yulo’s exceptional performance, including clinching the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal in gymnastics at the Paris Olympics, has established his prominence in the nation’s sports scene. This recognition is not only an acknowledgment of Yulo’s achievements but also an inspiration for future athletes in the country.
A History of Excellence
The PSA Awards Night has a long tradition of recognizing extraordinary athletes, such as Scottie Thompson, Arwind Santos, Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, and volleyball icons Alyssa Valdez, Mika Reyes, and Tots Carlos. These athletes are not only sports legends but also motivational figures for aspiring young athletes.
The Future of Philippine Sports
The PSA Awards Night is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to motivate the younger generation to embrace sports. The success stories of athletes like Fajardo, Quiambao, Morado-De Guzman, and Yulo will serve as an enduring source of inspiration.
Path Towards Growth
With impressive progress in national sports, the Philippines is on a trajectory of significant development. Sports organizations, alongside governmental and community support, continue to work tirelessly to foster a supportive environment for athletes’ growth.
A Celebration of Athletic Talent
The 2024 PSA Awards Night promises to be a momentous occasion that acknowledges the achievements of exceptional athletes. The recognition of June Mar Fajardo, Kevin Quiambao, Jia Morado-De Guzman, and Carlos Yulo highlights their dedication and serves as motivation for future generations.
Let us eagerly await this memorable ceremony at the Manila Hotel, where success stories will be celebrated and shared. This event is more than a night of accolades—it is a milestone in the ongoing development of Philippine sports.
