At least 274 athletes and coaches were feted during the Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat 2023, a recognition program for outstanding athletes and coaches who brought pride and honor to Davao City and the Philippines, on Saturday evening, April 22, at the SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang Premier.
The City Government of Davao, through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO), awarded medals and cash incentives to the city’s athletes and coaches who made their mark in international, national, and local competitions.
Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, whose welcome message was read by Councilor Jaffar Usman Marohomsalic, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on youth and sports, said the city is home to some of the country’s most dedicated athletes who take pride in competing in various regional, national, and international games throughout the years.
“Through the Gabi ng Parangal and Pasasalamat, we’ll be able to extend our gratitude, as well as recognize the exemplary contribution of our Dabawenuo athletes, coaches, and stakeholders to the progress of the sports movement of the city,” the mayor said.
Duterte said that with sports bringing a great impact on reconnecting people and communities while the city is recovering from the adversities of the COVID-19 pandemic, he is optimistic that his fellow Dabawenyos will continue to take part in related endeavors to promote the conduct of sports for the younger generation.
He also hopes that the occasion will further encourage the athletes to strive for progress and continue to serve as good role models to those following in their footsteps.
“Always remember that the City Government of Davao will remain ever supportive and proud of your great achievements in the field of sports. Congratulations sa inyong tanan ug daghang salamat (Congratulations to all of you and thank you very much!),” the city’s chief executive added.
Meanwhile, decorated multi-athlete Sydney Sy Tancontian, one of the athletes honored during the event, thanked the City Government of Davao and the SDD-CMO for holding a tribute for her and her fellow athletes.
The 23-year-old five-time Sambo World medalist shared how her athletic career as a national athlete began in Davao City’s grassroots development programs where she started competing in judo tournaments at age seven. She is currently a judo varsity scholar at the University of Santo Tomas.
Tancontian also won medals in kurash and sambo in past Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and Asian Sambo championships.
“Behind this smiling face and jolly character, I cry a lot, and I sometimes ask myself kung bakit ko pa to ginagawa (why am I doing this)? But what fuels my passion is because, despite all the hardships, frustrations and stress, I am happy,” she said. “Walang tulad yung saya ko every time I compete and win for Davao and the Philippines, every time nasasabihan ako na ang galing ko kasi (There is nothing like my joy every time I compete and win for Davao and the Philippines, every time I am told that I am great because) I know I’ve worked hard and gone through a lot to give my best performance every time. And being able to inspire young athletes who are starting, just like me.”
SDD-CMO officer-in-charge Mikey Aportadera, during his closing remarks, urged the athletes to give value to the roles their parents, coaches, and trainers play in their sports and their lives.
He also underscored the inspiration he gets from the differently-abled para-athletes who continued to shine and give glory to the city and the country.
“We honor all of you for your hard work and dedication to sports,” Aportadera said. He also reminded the athletes, “Losing should not define you. In defeat, we find room to improve. It is a reminder we need to do more. What should define you is what you do to rise when you stumble.”
Since there will always be a bigger, stronger, taller, and faster athlete in every competition, the city sports chief said Dabawenyo athletes should have the right heart and motivation to go the extra mile in their training.
“Here is what matters,” Aportadera gesturing at his heart, said. CIO
