Tuason hails Dorothy’s feat

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Tuason said yesterday that local athletes should again learn a lesson or two from the spectacular victory of Fil-Am Dorothy Delasin in the Giant Eagle LPGA Classic in Vienna, Ohio.

"It’s the Filipino fighting spirit shining through," said Tuason of Delasin’s victory. "We will always have that determination to handle the toughest situations just to make life easier not just for ourselves but for our families. In these hard times, the kind of determination Delasin displayed to achieve her goal proffers an inspiration for her countrymen."

Delasin turned pro last year and grabbed the Rookie of the Year plum of the LPGA — a feat that earned her a special cash reward from the PSC when she went home early this year to receive the PSA Athlete of the Year plum.

With her winnings in her rookie season, Dorothy was able to pluck her family out of their rented apartment and buy them their dream house in San Francisco.

And she is bound to enjoy life’s luxuries in the coming years, according to Tuason, since she works hard and is a well-disciplined athlete.

"We take pride in having helped Dorothy in our own little way when she was still an amateur and we reiterate the present administration’s pledge of support for more role models in sports like Ms. Delasin who can bring glory to the country."

Although she had stayed in the US for most her life, the 20-year-old Delasin was able to represent the country in events like the world amateurs, the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games.