Top sports officials invited to PSA rites

Top sports officials as well as friends of local sports have been invited to share a memorable evening with outstanding athletes who will be feted by the Philippine Sportswriters Association during its Annual Awards Night Jan. 9 at the Manila Pavilion.

International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde, Philippine Sports Commission chair Eric Buhain and Philippine Olympic Committee president Cito Dayrit head top officials invited to the two-hour rites honoring big sports achievers in the year just ended.

Also high on the list of guests are Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Noli Eala, PBA chairman Jun Cabalan, Philippine Basketball League commissioner Chino Trinidad, Congressman Monico Puentevella , heads of the national sports associations and members of the corporate community helping local sports.

According to PSA president Roberto Cuevas of the Manila Standard, everything is in readiness for the affair, which is expected to be graced by no less than the First Couple, President Arroyo and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

"I am glad to announce that all is set for the Awards Night. January 9 will be a momentous and important evening for the athletes, sports officials and to all who love sports," said Cuevas.

Pro boxer Manny Pacquiao and bowler CJ Suarez , named co-winners of the Athlete of the Year award, will lead the honorees in the affair sponsored by Red Bull and Agfa Colors, and supported by PSC, PBA, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza , San Miguel Corporation and POC.

Cuevas also said those who will not receive their invitations before the Awards Night may pick up theirs at the reception area of the grand ballroom before the start of the show.

The Awards Night will be televised by NBN 4 with amateur basketball standout Alex Compton and Lala Roque as hosts.

The complete list of awardees:

Athletes of the Year — Manny Pacquiao, CJ Suarez

PSA President’s Award — Liza del Rosario, Liza Clutario, Cecilia Yap

Antonio Siddayao award — Bacolod Girls Softball team

Hall of Fame — Ben Arda, Celestino Tugot

Major Awardees — James Yap, Asi Taulava, Harry Tanamor, Mark Paragua, Arnel Quirimit, Dorothy Delasin, Patty Dilema, Wind Blown

Citations — Far Eastern U men’s basketball team, Steve Hontiveros, Air21-FedEx, First Gentleman Foundation, Jojo Canare, Ronald Dableo, PATAFA, Philippine Bowling Congress, Jayvie Agojo, Philracom, Samsung, Glenn Aguilar, Ali Atienza, Kenneth San Andres, Rene Catalan, Allenby Jiro Ramos, Dottie Ardina, Miguel Tabuena, and Cebuana-Lhuillier.

Special citations — All gold medalists, 22nd Southeast Asian Games

Posthumous awards — Pedro Adigue, Peter Alegre, Manolet Araneta, Robert Cheng, Rene Fortaleza, Ramon Lim and Percela Molina.