Rama lauds City's PNG medallists

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael L. Rama heaped praise and offered words of wisdom to the Cebu City athletes who displayed remarkable performances in the 2nd POC-PSC Philippine National Games (PNG) two weeks ago in Dumaguete City.Close to 50 athletes from different schools paid Rama a courtesy call yesterday, proudly showing off to the City's chief executive the medals they won in the week-long sports conclave where the Niños landed at second place overall with 69 golds, 64 silvers and 74 bronzes.

The spirited dancesport athletes delivered the bulk of Team Cebu City's gold medals with 21. In swimming, the Niños made a big splash with 18 gilts, while the rest of golds came from weightlifting with 10, badminton with six, karatedo and arnis with three apiece, athletics and pencak silat with four combined and basketball, beach volley, lawn tennis and softball with one each.

Rama extended his warm congratulations to the Niños at the same time giving them some thoughts to ponder on how to become a good athlete.

“The real gold is the character,” said Rama in stressing out the importance of sports in building one's character.

Rama, on the other hand, said he will have to consult first with Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) chairman Edward Hayco regarding the incentives they can give to the medallists.

Usually, the City is handing out monetary rewards to top performing athletes in national competitions.

Rama, however, emphasized that winning a major sporting event is not much about money, but about the pride and honor an athlete can bring to the team he represents.

“As what I have said, money comes after. If you want to be excellent, not because of money. I want to become the mayor, not to become a millionaire. I want to become mayor because I can serve the people to the best of my ability,” said Rama.

Hayco also has some inspiring words for the athletes, spotlighting once again the City's extensive grassroots development program that has already produced positive results under his watch.

“Your gold medals will be of more worth and value if you are able to help others especially the aspiring athletes,” Hayco told the athletes. (FREEMAN)