Cebu's Ortouste makes it to PHL takraw team for SEAG

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano athlete Rhey Jey Ortouste from Abellana National School (ANS) got the biggest break of his life as he was chosen to form part of the Philippine sepak takraw team that will compete in the Southeast Asian Games next week in Indonesia.

The 17-year-old Ortouste could still not believe that his long time dream of becoming a member of the PHL team will come to reality.

“This has been my childhood dream to be part of the Philippine team in the field that I love. And it’s beyond my wish that at a very young age, I am now playing not only for Cebu but also for the Philippines,” said Ortouste.

Ortouste made it to the PHL squad following his exemplary performance in the King’s Cup World Championship Inter-Regu Competition last September in Bangkok, Thailand where they finished with a silver medal.

Among the dozen members of the PHL team, only three players will be sent to Indonesia. Ortouste was selected along with Junmar Aleta of Dipolog City and Jason Huerte of Marikina City.

“It is a great honor for me. Even if I am just new in the team, they were able to notice my potentials,” said Ortouste.

“I promise to give my best in this competition. With trust to my teammates and determination to win, I am hoping that we will go back to the Philippines with a medal,” he ended.  (FREEMAN)