By Hanah Tabios
The recognition for Southeast Asian Games’ gold medalist and Filipino surfing sensation Roger Casugay is not yet over as no less than Indonesian President Joko Widodo praised the 25-year-old athlete.
Filipino surfing ‘hero’ Roger Casugay celebrates after bagging the gold medal in the men’s longboard open event of the surfing competition in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. (Erwin Beleo)
In a tweet, Widodo praised Casugay for his heroic deed after saving Indonesian rival Arip Nurhidiyat during their semifinals duel last Friday.
“Winning the competition and upholding sportsmanship is important, but humanity is above all. My appreciation for Roger Casugay, a Filipino surfer who gave up the golden opportunity to help Indonesian athletes who fell in the race,” Widodo said Monday.
Without regards to the result, Casugay rescued Nurhidiyat after being pummeled by strong waves due to a broken leash. Both of them paddled back to the shore together, sharing through Casugay’s board.
Casugay earlier said he was no hero and wanted to remain only as an ordinary athlete, but many Filipinos recognized his heroism that paid off with a gold medal on Sunday’s final surfing match.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez also said that he will include Casugay in the list of athletes who will meet President Rodrigo Duterte in an awarding ceremony after the SEA Games.
Ramirez said the commission will also give him a plaque of recognition for his heroic act and an additional cash incentive which is yet to be approved by PSC apart from the standard incentive for the winning athletes.
Source: Manila Bulletin
Xtra Sports ph 