19 Visayas athletes bag MOA awards

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN, Philippines  – Nineteen members of Team Visayas were named as Most Outstanding Athletes (MOA) at the conclusion of the 3rd Milo Little Olympics National Finals the other day at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center.

One of them is Gretchel Soltones, a member of the Pajo National High School (PNHS) women's volleyball team that won gold in the multi-sport gathering.

Soltones, who comes from broken family, dedicated her award to her father, a security guard.

 “I really strived hard in every game that we have because I want my father to be proud of me. This is my way of giving back to him all the sacrifices and care that he gave me without the presence of my mother,” said Soltones.

Soltones spearheaded the Fr. Rey Manayon-mentored PNHS in claiming the secondary girls volleyball championship. So decisive that thet upended Palarong Pambansa champion Hope Christian School in their first game.

“She really excelled well during the game that’s why I chose her as the most outstanding athlete,” said Fr. Manayon.

This is not the first national award for Soltones though as she was already honored as Most Valuable Player (MVP) during the Palarong Pambansa in Palawan two years ago when she was still playing for Catmon Elementary School.

Joining Soltones in volleyball event were Gwyndharell Guy of Colegio del Sto. Niño and Willamae Ortega of Catmon ES and Kevin Labay of Abellana National School.

Don Bosco Technology Center’s Glen Thomas Ramos and Valentino Calvo got the prestigious accolade in football, while University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) word wizards Chelsea Canizares, Victor John Libradilla, Nathallie Cabaluna and Derold Nick Dampios shone the brightest in scrabble.

In lawn tennis, Arthur Craig Pantino and Fritz Satera of the University of San Carlos (USC) and Allyssa Mae Bornia of Bright Academy were cited for their stirring exploits.

Completing the MOA awardees were Dannel Jay Tormis of the University of Cebu and Sherlyn Love Gabisay of Severo Duterte Memorial Elementary School in table tennis, Ryan Jay Doromal and Tricia Merced Opon of Banilad Elementary School in badminton, Ronald Navarro of Catmon Elementary School in sipa and Roy Villahermosa of the University of Cebu in athletics.  (FREEMAN)