2017 SEA Games Team Captain Acee San Juan. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—A Filipino was chosen as the Asia Rugby Unstoppable Ambassador for the continent.
Acee San Juan, the Rugby Development Manager for the Philippines, was given the responsibility after beating out 83 other nominees for the position.
The other nominees were all from Asia and the names were slowly cut down to 32 then ultimately a final nomination of 16 people that would represent the region.
San Juan’s new role also coincided with the Unstoppables Campaign for the International Women’s Month, a celebration of the role of women in their influence for the development of rugby across Asia.
“I’m deeply honored to be named one of Asia Rugby’s Unstoppable Ambassadors. I’m looking forward to encouraging more females to get involved and enjoy the sport, whether as a player, coach, match official, administrator, supporter – not just in the Philippines but across Asia as well,” said San Juan in a statement.
“Rugby has given me so much in life and helped me develop to the person I am now, and I am excited to share these experiences to the wider rugby family.”
An active member of the Philippine rugby community for the past decade, San Juan was captain of the national team from 2014 to 2017 and led the country to the bronze medal in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.
For the past four years, San Juan has held the role of the Development Manager for the organization.
“Acee has been tremendous to our Development Program, she’s a role model to all sports managers. Her passion, work ethic, and expertise in her role have ensured Philippine Rugby continues to grow” said Jake Letts, Philippine Rugby’s Chief Executive.