Benguet honors its SEA Games athletes

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet-- The provincial government honored its athletes who participated in the recently concluded 30th South East Asian (SEA) Games hosted  and won by the Philippines.

At least 16 athletes from the province of Benguet  contributed to the medal haul that made the country as the overall champion of the 30th SEA Games  which carried the slogan “We win as One.”

At the provincial capitol on Monday, Benguet officials led by Gov. Melchor Diclas and Vice Gov. Johnny Waguis awarded certificates of recognition and cash incentives to the athletes who  brought home medals in their respective sports events of the SEA Games.   

Present were Jerry Olsim who snatched a gold medal in kickboxing, Ariel Lee Lampacan who also got a gold medal in Muay Thai,  Muay Thai silver medalists Jenelyn Olsim and Rusha Mae Bayacsan , and bronze medalist Jedd Andre Kim in the men’s Sambo combat.

Other athletes honored were gold medalists Jason Baucas in wrestling, Crisamuel Delfin in arnis, and Gina Iniong in kickboxing. Silver medalists Irendin Lepatan and Islay Erika Bomogao in Muay Thai and broze medalists Daniel Parantac in Wushu and Karol Maguide in kickboxing.

Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao who served as coach of the kickboxing team was also given recognition by the provincial government.

Benguet sports coordinator Deanmark Monang said that the list of athletes who were honored is still being updated as many of the  athletes have not yet come back home.

Diclas said the Benguet athletes showed their prowess competing with the best athletes from the Southeast Asian nations  bringing  honor not only to the province but the whole country as well.  This makes the people of Benguet very proud, he said.

The governor said the provincial government will be giving back to the athletes by further strengthening its support.

Completion of the Benguet Sports Complex and other sports facilities in the province will also be prioritized to help in the development of striving athletes who will compete in the local, national and even international sports events in the future, he said.

At least P100 million was allotted for completion of the Benguet Sports Complex Gymnasium which is the venue for most of the sports activities of the province and even hosting the annual regional sports meet (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)