Chess patron Jeah Gacang receives Exemplar Award from GAB

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuana chess patron Atty. Jeah Jean Gacang bagged another major accolade.

Gacang was among the distinguished sports personalities who were given an Exemplar Award during the Women in Professional Sports Awards (WPSA) spearheaded by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque City last Friday, September 27.

The Exemplar Award is given to outstanding individuals or organizations that promotes girls participation in sports, gender equality and women empowerment.

Gacang, who co-founded the Toledo City Trojans Chess Team at the height of the pandemic four years ago, was honored for being the first ever female team manager, coach, and player of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP).

“Juggling her professional life as a lawyer and a pro chess player, Atty. Gacang has proven that not a single thing can serve as a hindrance from achieving one’s dreams as a professional sports athlete,” the WPSA organizers stated.

Gacang is extremely grateful for the honor bestowed upon her by GAB, which came four months after she was feted with the ORLACSAN trophy during the 38th Sportswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Beer (SAC-SMB) Cebu Sports Awards last May.

“Kindness, resilience, and dreams transcend gender. To all the women aspiring to make their mark in sports, remember that the journey is not only about winning - it’s about becoming the best version of yourself,” said Gacang.

“Challenges will come, but like in any sport, we aim to rise above them, continually striving to grow. Empowering others, especially women to do more has no limits. While victory is important, the true reward lies in how much we evolve, how deeply we inspire, and how far we uplift others along the way,” Gacang ended.