Chris Tiu. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Professional basketball player Chris Tiu and eight others were feted as The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for 2013 at a ceremony in Malacañang on Thursday.
Tiu, a guard for Rain or Shine in the PBA and a former member of the original Smart Gilas Pilipinas and the Ateneo Blue Eagles, was recognized by TOYM for his contributions in “Youth Leadership Development.”
Tiu also hosts an educational TV show on GMA-7.
“Whether through the Sangguniang Kabataan or his position as a barangay kagawad, his business and media engagements, or his achievements on the court, he has consistently displayed leadership, modesty, and discipline,” said Aquino in a speech posted on gov.ph.
“In this way, he has already found success not just as a media personality or athlete—but also as a role model and inspiration for the Filipino youth today, and in the years to come.”
The PBA also lauded Tiu for the prestigious recognition as he continues to be a role model for the youth and other athletes.
“Chris epitomizes the athlete role model for the youth that PBA would like to see each and every one of its players to embrace,” said PBA Commissioner Chito Salud in a statement.
“On behalf of the PBA family, I congratulate him for his tremendous achievement and thank him for the energy, commitment and passion this recognition will bring to his fellow PBA players as they all contribute their share to youth development.”
Most recent sports personality who was included in the list was Philippine men’s football team star striker Chieffy Caligdong.
Aside from Tiu, the other 2013 TOYM awardees are: Emerson Bautista Atanacio (Social Entrepreneurship), June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla (Community Service), Nicole Paula Cayco Curato (Sociology), Custer Calingasan Deocaris (Science Communications), Miguel Rene Alcantara Dominguez (Government and Public Service), Alonzo Alolud Gabriel (Food Science and Technology), Karl Michael Gutierrez Reyes (Medicine), and Paolo Antonio Sandico Silva (Medicine).