Sports leaders to grace PSA Night Saturday

MANILA, Philippines — The leaders of Philippine sports will be on hand when the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night honors the country’s top achievers at the Manila Hotel this Saturday.

Long-time International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde, Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., and Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia have been invited to grace the awards night presented by Smart.

Also expected to attend are sports commissioners Chito Loyzaga, Buddy Andrada, Akiko Thomson-Guevara, Jolly Gomez, heads of the National Sports Associations, POC chair Monico Puente-vella and supporters of local sports.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, also the head of the Philippine Badminton Association, will keynote the ceremony that will be aired on dzSR Sports Radio 918.
Co-Athlete of the Year awardees Nonito Donaire Jr. and Dennis Orcollo will share the limelight along with 83 other sports personalities and groups.

Donaire came through with a string of world-class performances to keep his world boxing title aside from enhancing his status as one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters.

Orcollo kept his World No. 1 ranking in billiards, underscoring the country’s status as the sport’s mecca.

The awards show is also presented by Milo, Coca-Cola, and the PSC.

Major awards will also be handed out to 19 other sports personalities during the two-hour gala also backed by ICTSI, Harbour Centre, SM Prime Holdings, Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. and the Philippine Basketball Association.

The complete list of awardees

Athletes of the Year: Dennis Orcollo, Nonito Donaire Jr.
PSA Presidential Achievement Award: Juvic Pagunsan
Executive of the Year: Ricky Vargas
Major Awardees: Brian Viloria (pro boxing), Ana Julaton (pro boxing), Donnie Nietes (pro boxing), Mark Anthony Barriga (amateur boxing), Efren “Bata” Reyes (billiards), Rubilen Amit (billiards), Jessie Aligaga (wushu), Dembert Arcita (wushu), Dragon Boat team, Jimmy Alapag (pro basketball), Calvin Abueva (amateur basketball), Bobby Parks Jr.(amateur basketball), Jhonnel Ababa (pro golf), Dottie Ardina (amateur golf), Rupert Zaragosa (amateur golf), Magna Carta (Horse of the Year), Jesse Guce (Jockey of the Year), Kenneth San Andres (motocross), Malvinne Ann Alcala (badminton)