By Kristel Satumbaga
Not all sports heroes win medals.
The Philippine Sports Commission will be recognizing surfer Roger Casugay’s heroic act during the 30th Southeast Asian Games by giving him a plaque of recognition and cash incentive.
Filipino surfing ‘hero’ Roger Casugay bags the gold medal in the men’s longboard open event of the surfing competition in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. (Erwin Beleo)
PSC chairman Butch Ramirez bared this in a statement Monday, saying that Casugay’s action embodies the Filipino athlete’s true spirit of heroism, sportsmanship and sacrifice.
“I will include Roger (Casugay) in our awarding in Malacañang to meet the President. The PSC will also give him a plaque and cash incentive to be approved by the Board,” Ramirez said.
The PSC also announced that Casugay will be the country’s flag-bearer in the closing rites on Wednesday.
A strong PH bet in the men’s longboard open event, Casugay gave up his chance of advancing to the next phase by rescuing his Indonesian rival Arip Nurhidayat in the middle of the third round preliminaries last Friday.
Large waves swept away Nurhidayat after his surfboard leash broke.
His act of heroism had gone viral on social media and drew praises from the public. (with a report from Hanah Tabios)
Source: Manila Bulletin
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