Olympic skater named adopted son of Pasay

MANILA, Philippines - The Pasay City government has named Olympic figure skater Michael Christian Martinez an adopted son of Pasay.

Mayor Antonino Calixto issued an executive order declaring Martinez an adopted son of the city.

Calixto said Martinez will have a special role in cultural, sports and other events in the city.

The mayor gave him the symbolic key to the city.

“It is but proper that we give recognition to Michael Christian Martinez. Even at a young age, he has made the whole country proud, thereby showing to the world that even though we are a tropical country, we can still excel in the Winter Olympics,” Calixto said in ceremonies held at the SM Mall of Asia on Sunday.

Martinez made history as the lone Filipino Olympian in the Sochi Winter Games and the first Southeast Asian to compete in the figure skating event, where he ended up in 19th place.

He said the SM MOA ice skating rink served as one of his training grounds that led to the development of his skills.

Pasay City spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the 17-year-old Martinez spent so much time training in Pasay, making him a resident of the city.

“Even without Mayor Calixto’s declaration, Martinez would come to Pasay almost daily for his training,” he said.

Malaya added that Pasay was honored to have played an important role in Martinez’s road to the Winter Olympics.

Martinez will leave for the United States where he will continue his training for the World Junior Figure Skating Championship to be held in Bulgaria from March 10 to 16.