PSA Honors Grand Old League, A Milestone Event in Philippine Sports
A Glimpse Into the Special Awards Night
On an extraordinary occasion, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) will be recognized during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night. The event is set to take place next week at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel. This is more than just an awards ceremony—it’s a celebration of the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations in Philippine sports.
Celebrating the ‘Grand Old League’
This year’s event will spotlight the “Grand Old League,” a pivotal sporting institution in the Philippines, as it reaches its 100th season. This milestone underscores not only the league’s evolution but also its critical role in nurturing generations of exceptional athletes. Over the years, the league has become a stepping stone for many athletes to grow and shine.
Notable Figures to Be Honored
Among those to be celebrated this year is the national dragonboat team, the Philippine Volcanoes. Known for their stellar international performances, they represent a source of pride for the nation. Other athletes, including Angeline Colonia, Isabella Joseline Butler, and Regie Ramirez, will also receive accolades for their outstanding achievements over the past year.
The Celebration on January 27
The grand celebration will occur on January 27, co-hosted by ArenaPlus, Cignal, and MediaQuest. This gathering will unite the Philippine sports community in paying tribute to the dedication and accomplishments of athletes and organizations.
Carlos Yulo: Athlete of the Year
Topping the list for 2024 is gymnastics prodigy Carlos Yulo, who has earned the prestigious title of Athlete of the Year. Yulo’s outstanding performances over the past year are not only personal triumphs but also sources of national pride for the Philippines. The event is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, alongside sponsors like MILO, PLDT/Smart, Senator Bong Go, and Januarius Holdings. Their backing highlights a commitment to sports development and ensuring better opportunities for athletes to hone and showcase their talents.
Honoring More Exceptional Athletes
In addition to the prominent names mentioned, 12 other athletes will be recognized for their achievements over the year. These include billiards players Johann Chua and Albert James “AJ” Manas, gymnast Carl Eldrew Yulo, chess prodigy Ruelle Canino, and others, showcasing the diversity and strength of Philippine sports.
Remarkable Achievements in Rowing
The Philippine rowing team made a significant impact by clinching the overall championship at the ICF Dragon Boat World Championship. This accomplishment not only elevates the team’s profile but also enhances the status of rowing as a sport in the country. Similarly, the Philippine Volunteers had a banner year, winning both men’s and women’s titles at the Emirates Sevens Trophy Asia Rugby Championships in Nepal, further cementing their dominance and promoting rugby’s growth in the Philippines.
Angeline Colonia: A Weightlifting Star
Angeline Colonia stunned the world by winning gold in both snatch and total lift categories in the 45 kg division at the IWF World Youth Championships in Spain. Her achievements mark a significant milestone in her career and inspire other young athletes to aim high.
Isabella Joseline Butler: A Global Jiu-Jitsu Champion
Isabella Joseline Butler mirrored her previous success in the under-57 kg category for 18-year-olds at the JJIF World Championships in Heraklion, Greece. Her performance reflects the steady growth of jiu-jitsu in the Philippines and the ability of Filipino athletes to excel on the global stage.
Outstanding Performers: Regie Ramirez and Jessa Mae Tabuan
Regie Ramirez and Jessa Mae Tabuan shone in international weightlifting competitions, claiming gold medals at the World Open Powerlifting Championships in Iceland and the IWF World Youth Championships in Malta. Their victories reaffirm the Philippines’ strength in weightlifting. The Cool Smashers women’s volleyball team also reinforced their position as the nation’s top team by securing wins in all three Premier Volleyball League tournaments, bringing joy to fans and athletes alike.
Carlos Yulo: A Golden Year
Carlos Yulo continued his streak of excellence with multiple gold medals at the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Uzbekistan, the Pacific Rim Championships in Cali, Colombia, and the Hong Kong Invitational. His impressive achievements have cemented his name in the international sports arena.
A Bright Future for Philippine Sports
The celebration of the “Grand Old League” is not only a tribute to past achievements but also a vision for the future of Philippine sports. With unwavering support for young athletes and sports organizations, the Philippines’ standing in the global sports community continues to rise. These young talents will undoubtedly play a crucial role in elevating the country’s reputation internationally.
