Sports heroes honored tomorrow

The stage is set for the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night tomorrow, a two-hour show honoring the biggest sports achievers in the year just ended.

"Friday will be a big night for the athletes, for the guests, for all of us who love sports. And the sportswriting fraternity is proud and honored to share the evening with them," said PSA president Roberto Cuevas of the Manila Standard.

Staged annually to recognize Filipino athletes’ big achievements here and abroad, the affair will be held tomorrow night at the Manila Pavilion with no less than the country’s top sports supporters—President Arroyo and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo—expected to attend.

Three years ago, the Chief Executive graced the PSA rites, presenting the top award shared by billiards king Efren "Bata" Reyes and Fil-American golfer Dorothy Delasin.

Pro boxer Manny Pacquiao and bowler CJ Suarez head the long line of honorees as Athletes of the Year, their reward for contributing the biggest achievements that helped make year 2003 a big one for local sports.

Other outstanding athletes, including the 48 gold medalists in the last 22nd Southeast Asian Games, entities and friends of sports who did their share will also feted in the program to be hosted by amateur cager Alex Compton and Lala Roque.

For the 10th straight year, Red Bull and Agfa Colors will sponsor the awards rites with support coming from San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

"We’re glad that our friends specially Red Bull and Agfa Colors are always around when needed. We would like to thank them and the others who helped make this modest undertaking of ours a reality," said Cuevas.

To be shown on NBN 4 on a delayed basis, the affair will start at 7:30 p.m.

Cuevas said invitations to the honorees and guests, including the gold medallists in the 22nd Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, have already been sent.

Those who will not get their invitations may get it at the reception area of the hotel’s grand ballroom during the awards night itself.