MANILA, Philippines - Kabuuang 13 personalidad ang bibigyan ng Tony Siddayao awards ng Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA).
Pangungunahan ni Wushu World Junior Cham-pionship gold medalist Alieson Ken Omengan ang mga batang atleta na pararangalan sa PSA-Milo Annual Awards Night sa Sabado sa grand ballroom ng Manila Hotel.
Makakasama ni Omengan, isang high school student sa La Trinidad, Benguet, sina netters Albert Lim at Jurence Mendoza, chess player Shania Mae Mendoza (chess), karatekas Charles Bonagua at Alex Lay, golfers Princess Superal at Jed Dy, badminton players Malvinne Alcala at Mark Shelley Alcala, motocross rider Mark Reggie Flores, skater Michael Christian Martinez at powerlifter Clark Cruz.
Isinunod sa pangalan ng namayapang dating Manila Standard sports editor na si Tony Siddayao, ang kinikilalang Dean of Philippine Sportswriting, ang award ay ibinibigay sa mga batang atletang nagpakita ng potensiyal sa edad na 18-anyos pababa.
Ang mga nagawaran na ng Siddayao awards sa PSA rites na suportado ng Rain or Shine, Meralco, Globalport 900, Smart, ICTSI and Philippine Golf Tour, LBC, Philippine Basketball Association, SM Prime Holdings, ni Senator Chiz Escudero, Philippine Sports Commission at San Miguel Corporation ay sina basketball star Kiefer Ravena, chess Grandmaster Wesley So, golf champion Dottie Ardina at world boxing gold medalist Eumir Marcial.
“The Tony Siddayao Award is one way by which the PSA encourages potential athletes to strive more and be the best in their field by recognizing their achievements even in such a young age,†sabi ni PSA president Rey Bancod ng Tempo.
Ang mga batang awardees ay kasama sa 59 awardees tampok ang mga Athlete of the Year co-winners na sina Nonito Donaire Jr, Josie Gabuco, ang Ateneo Blue Eagles team at ang Manila women’s softball team.