MORE THAN 200 ATHLETES, INCLUDING 3 SEA GAMES GOLD MEDALISTS ARE HONORED BY THE LGU BUTUAN

BUTUAN CITY – An awarding ceremony held on December 23, 2019, was organized by the local government of Butuan City for the athletes who bring honor to the city.

Among the 200 Butuanon athletes competed in national and international competitions, present in the event were the three gold medalists in the 30th SEA Games.

Some of the athletes received not only medals but also cash incentives.

Dave Cea and Joseph Arcilla, gold medalists for Taekwondo and Soft Tennis respectively in the SEA Games 2019, are grateful for the attention they received from the LGU.

“Sobrang pasalamat ko sa gobyerno natin lalo na dun sa airport pa lang, sinalubong nila kami. Na-surprise ako kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa mga Butuanon at kay mayor din, sa lahat lahat po ng sumusuporta at sa mga effort na binibigay nila sa amin…,” Arcilla said.He is a resident of Brgy. Langihan, Butuan City.

(I am very thankful to our government, especially when they welcomed us at the airport. I was surprised that’s why I thank the Butuanons and the city mayor as well for the support and effort they are giving us.)

While Elly Jan Nituda, bronze medalist for Sepak Takraw – team doubles in the SEA Games 2019, shared that he will use the 30,000 pesos worth of cash incentives for their house repair.

“…Kung makaadto mo sa among balay sa Purok 16-A, San Vicente. So, mao jud akong unahon jud ang balay sa akong pamilya para dili na magtulo among bubong. Kay mao ra man nay target nako karon,” Nituda said.

(I will prioritize the repair of our house in Purok 16-A, San Vicente, to fix the leaking from the ceiling. That’s my only target for now.)

Mr. Esperdeon Rodriguez, head coach of Women’s Sepak Takraw Team, which also bagged the gold medal, has expressed his gratitude towards the local government.

“…Ang kulang man gud nato before is lack of financial support sa mga atleta. Pero karon na-feel na namo na nindot jud kaayo ug result diay basta ihatag lang ang support, 100% support sa mga atleta nato,” Rodriguez said.

(What we lack before was financial assistance for the athletes. But now we can see good results as long as they give 100% support.)

The recognition for the parents for their support was also part of the event. And the endeavor of the coaches to train the youth through local sports club was also acknowledged.

Butuan City is now focusing on the Grassroots Development Training designed to support and train the interested young Butuanons until the elite level of their chosen sport.