CESAFI to honor ‘greatest athletes’ on its 25th anniversary

Sports

AS IT celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) will be honoring the greatest athletes and other noted personalities that it produced.

The grand plan was by CESAFI President Atty. Paulino Yabao of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and commissioner Felix "Boy" O. Tiukinhoy Jr. during a press conference on Tuesday, February 4, at the Grand Ballroom of Citadines Hotel in Baseline Center.

The selection of awardees will be headed by former CSAFI Commissioner Atty. Baldomero "Merong" Estenzo, the chairman of the screening committee.

"We like the proposal of commissioner Tiukinhoy and commend his forward thinking initiative with regards to the Silver Jubilee celebration of the CESAFI this school year," said Yabao.

"Those who will be nominated will go through a tedious task of screening to make sure that those who will be given special awards are truly deserving," he added.

Eligible to receive the awards are those who broughtpride to Cebu's premier inter-school athletic league, which started in 2000.

To qualify for the prestigious award, one must have played in the CESAFI for at least two seasons, graduated from a member school either in high school or college, competed in a major league or represented the country in international tournaments like the Olympics, Asian Games, and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games among others.

“These are just some of our criterion subject for approval by the members of CESAFI Board," said Estenzo.

Even those who have passed away but qualified to receive an award will be recognized through the giving of a posthumous award, Estenzo said.

A school, institution or organization can make a nomination individually but they must provide a narrative of achievements supported by records and other pertinent documents of their nominees. The nomination process will run until May 31.

“Anyboy can nominate as long as they can support their nomination. They have to present something to justify their nomination,” said Estenzo.

Estenzo pointed out that past CESAFI presidents, outstanding coaches and student-athletes who excelled academically like board exam topnotchers or in their respective fields such as music, culture and arts will also be recognized.

The awarding ceremony is scheduled on August 22, a day before the opening of CESAFI Season 25.

For inquiries, one may contact 09188161497 or send email to [email protected].(CCM)