AN ARCHITECT of championships in the PBA who brought the popular Ironman race franchise to the country, Wilfred Uytengsu Jr. has made sure that sports in the Philippines remains as vibrant as ever.
For his efforts, Uytengsu, who is also one of the country’s most prominent businessmen, will be honored with the Executive of the Year award by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during its Feb. 13 Annual Awards Night presented by San Miguel and Milo at One Esplanade in Pasay.
As CEO and president of Alaska Milk, Uytengsu has spearheaded the promotion and development of various sports, ranging from basketball, triathlon to football.
Among the past Executive of the Year awardees were Manny V. Pangilinan, Hans Sy, Ricky Vargas, Dan Palami, and Chito Salud.
“It’s with great honor and pride for the Philippine Sportswriters Association to pay tribute to a true sportsman in Mr. Wilfred Uytengsu Jr.,” said PSA president Riera Mallari of the Manila Standard
Uytengsu will also keynote the program where boxers Donnie Nietes and Nonito Donaire Jr., and golfer Miguel Tabuena will be awarded as Athletes of the Year.
A former national swim team member, Uytengsu is a graduate of University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He competed in the Southeast Asian Games in 1981, before working at Alaska Milk Corp., founded by his late father, Wilfred Sr., in 1972.
Alaska is one of PBA’s most successful teams, winning a rare grand slam in 1996. Over the past few years, Uytengsu has helped organize the Ironman triathlon with Alaska also backing triathlon’s youth program.
The company also partnered with the NBA for the Jr. NBA program and got involved in youth football through the Alaska Cup.