Pinarangalan ng nangungunang inuming Milo ang ilang mga piling atleta na nagpakita ng kahusayan, katapangan, determinasyon, at tiyaga sa sports na nagbigay ng karangalan sa mga Pinoy noong 2023 sa katatapos na SMC-Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night.
Iginawad kay World Athletics No. 2 men’s pole vaulter Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena ni Milo Philippines Sports Head Carlo Sampan ang Milo Gold, Grit, and Glory Award dahil sa pagkamal ng mga makasaysayan at record-breaking na mga tagumpay.
“Milo is greatly privileged to give tribute to the men and women who have made a meaningful impact and inspired a whole nation through their perseverance and resolve to achieve their successes both in sports and in life,” bulalas ni Sampan. “EJ embodies the grit for his unwavering determination in the face of challenges and glory to become an inspiration for others, making him a worthy recipient of this recognition.
Pasok naman sa MILO Junior Athlete Award sina Abu Dhabi World Festival Jiu-Jitsu Championships gold winner Aleia Aielle Aguilar, World Youth Chess Championships blitz gold medalist Christian Gian Karlo Arca, Angeline Colonia, Prince Keil Delos Santos, Eron Borres ng weightlifting, Karl Eldrew Yulo ng gymnastics, karateka Sebastian Neil Manalac, golfer Alethea Gaccion, Joseph Anthony Godbout ng modern pentathlon, Jan Brix Ramiscal ng muay thai, obstacle racer Trisha Mae del Rosario, at Tachiana Kezshia Mangin ng taekwondo.
“I am only a guy who jumps over a bar with a pole,” sey ni Obiena sa acceptance speech noong Jan. 29 sa Diamond Hotel grand ballroom sa Ermita, Manila. “However, I would like to think of it this way: it’s not really a question about what we do, but how we leverage that and how we create a lasting impact and create positive change. I feel my profession is a means to inspire the next generation…and as a means for nation-building.”
(Lito Oredo)