Muntinlupa council fetes Olympic skater

MANILA, Philippines - A tribute befitting a son was given to Olympic skater Michael Christian Martinez by the Muntinlupa City council yesterday, in recognition of his efforts to place the Philippines on the map of world figure skating.

Martinez, a native of Muntinlupa City, made a remarkable 19th place finish in the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia recently, a giant leap from his 30th rank upon qualifying for the international sporting event among thousands of hopefuls.

He is the first skater from the Philippines, a tropical country, and Southeast Asia to qualify for the Olympics.

Throngs of supporters greeted Martinez during a motorcade in the city before noon, ending up at his alma mater, the Muntinlupa School for Child Development.

Declared Outstanding Athlete, Martinez was handed a P100,000 cash gift by the city government.

“He is first and foremost a Muntinlupeño and our city is proud of him,” said Mayor Jaime Fresnedi.

Martinez thanked the city government and the people of Muntinlupa for their support and prayers.

He asked them to continue praying for his future global competitions.

Fresnedi promised Martinez that the city government will provide full support his next endeavors.

“We are privileged to have an Olympian in our midst. He is an inspiration that dreams are possible,” Fresnedi said.

Martinez came home to a rousing welcome last Sunday after a dramatic 22-day journey in Russia.

From the airport, a motorcade was held for him by the Pasay City government and the SM Mall of Asia management.

The SM Group feted Martinez with gifts and surprises. It was at the malls’ ice skating rinks that the athlete learned his fancy moves.