The 100-member, 56-year-old association unanimously approved the giving of citation to SMC, headed by chairman Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr., for its role in the successful campaigns of 13 national sports associations (NSAs) it supported in the last 23rd Southeast Asian Games.
Sixteen others, including two professional boxers, will also receive citations when the sportswriters hold their annual awards night on Jan. 14 at the Manila Pavilion.
These are the First Gentleman Foundation, JVC (Victor Company of Japan), GM Mark Paragua, golfer Jayvie Agojo, Manila Sports Council, boxer Brian Viloria, former POC president Celso Dayrit, PSC chair Butch Ramirez, Asian Formula 3, Joseph Dumuk, Shakey’s V-League, boxer Boom Boom Bautista, practical shooter Jag Lejano, Eddie Torres, the Philippine Practical Shooting team and equestrienne Toni Leviste.
On top of the honor roll is Team Philippines, named Athlete of the Year by the country’s oldest media group for its historic overall triumph in the SEA Games.
Twenty-one athletes, most of them multiple gold medal winners in the SEA Games, make up the distinguished roster of major awardees.
These are Alex Pagulayan (billiards), Juvic Pagunsan (golf), Harry Tañamor (amateur boxing), Maristela Torres (athletics), Amaya Paz (archery), Miguel Molina (swimming), Sheila Mae Perez (diving), Benjamin Tolentino (rowing), John Baylon (judo), Cecil Mamiit (tennis), Suhod Hakim (traditional boat racing), Manuel Maya (TBR), Junray Dayumad (TRB), Ruperto Sabijon (TRB), Ricky Sardena (TRB), Rene Catalan (wushu), Manny Pacquiao (pro boxing), Arwind Santos (amateur basketball), Eric Menk (pro basketball), Jennifer Rosales (pro golf), and Warren Davadilla (pro cycling).
According to PSA president Jimmy Cantor of Malaya, the rest of Filipino gold medalists in the SEA Games will automatically receive special citation during the two-hour rites to be telecast on a delayed basis by NBN Channel 4.
San Miguel Corp. has been a long-time supporter of local sports. This year, it donated P100 million to the First Gentleman Foundation to help bankroll the training expenses of athletes in 13 sports disciplines.
It was amply rewarded. The 13 NSAs, which the company supported accounted for 56 of the 113 total gold medals won by Team Philippines, with wushu accounting for 11, the most by any RP squad.
Another association which made SMC proud is the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation, which swept the six golds staked in traditional boat racing in a shining achievement that easily won for the PDBF the most outstanding NSA award.
During the awards rites, Perez, winner of three gold medals in diving, will represent the athletes in receiving the top award from the sportswriters.
The 21-year-old Perez will be accompanied by the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, POC president Peping Cojuangco and PSC chair William "Butch" Ramirez and two or three more athletes.