Sunday, February 18, 2007 Oyson to be enshrined in Hall of Fame today
PHILIPPINE Sports Commission chairperson William “Butch” Ramirez will grace today’s annual Cebu Sports Hall of Fame enshrinement at Cebu City Sports Center’s ballroom.
No less than the highest sports official in the country will enshrine the late lawyer and veteran sports journalist Manuel “Manny” Oyson Jr., who was behind the concept of the Cebu Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and the founding member of the All-Cebu Sports Awards in 1977.
Oyson, who wrote a regular sports column “Counterpunch” for Sun.Star Cebu, died on Feb. 20 last year.
Oyson’s enshrinement to the hall of fame serves as a tribute to the person who almost single-handedly conceptualized the framework of the Hall of Fame.
The Cebu Sports Hall of Fame is the oldest sports institution that gives recognition to individuals who made huge contributions in sports.
Oyson who enshrined great Cebuano athletes and adopted non-Cebuano sportsmen, will get his fair share of the limelight. And to make it more special, only Oyson will be enshrined this year.
Oyson, a Sun.Star Sports columnist for 23 years, was the chairman of the selection committee of the hall of fame when he passed away.
Meanwhile, Ramirez will also sit as guest of honor in the launching of the refurbished boxing facility of the sports center.
Within reach
Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) chairperson Councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem said that the 13-year-old and most-used sports center in the country will now offer boxing lessons.
Boxing is now within reach of the masses as for sports, for physical fitness and wellness. With thousands in attendance daily at the sports center, it is expected that the boxing facility will attract more sports center users.
Today’s string of events, which is organized by the CCSC is part of the four-in-one program which includes the Hall of Fame enshrinement of Oyson, launching of the Hall of Fame area, launching of CCSC’s new office and launching of the boxing gym.
The events also held in line with Cebu City Charter day celebration. (MCB)
