THE annual Silahis ng Pasko will cap its month long celebrations Saturday with the Kafagway Sports Achievers Awards 2009 which will be led by the medalists in the Laos Southeast Asian Games last December.
The top awardees who won the prestigious title "Athlete of the Year '09" categories are Marianne Rivera and Mark Eddiva (wushu); Alice Kate Aparri (women's boxing); Zaide Laruan (muay thai) and Jason Balabal (wrestling).
Their gold medal finishes contributed immensely to Team Philippines' efforts to place 5th over-all in the champion board marked with 30 gold medals in the leader board of 12 nations in the sports festival.
Thirteen athletes, three coaches and three officials from the city were part of the Philippine contingent to the biennial sports conclave.
"We are deeply elated and proud of their achievements which in no small measure brought honor, fame and glory to our city, flag and country," program director Nars Padilla said.
The Baguio-Cordi athletes pooled in five golds, one silver and three bronze medals. The silver medal was gained by wushu warrior Benjie Rivera while the bronze medals came from teammates Ruffa Mae Rifani, Denver Labrador and taolo artist Daniel Parantac.
The program, which starts at 9 a.m. at historical Malcolm Square, will include the traditional thanks giving and congratulatory message by Mayor Rienaldo Bautista Jr.
Padilla also said the "Coach of the Year '09" award went to Brent Velasco of Muay Thai, while the "Coach of the Decade" was given to Mark Sangyao of both wushu and URCC sporting events. Sangyao is the only Filipino referee-judge in the Wushu International Federation.
Athletes, coaches and officials from the Cordillera Region and the Philippine National Team will also receive individual certificates of commendation for their excellence, leadership and participation which will be part of the roll of honors with the Jun Labo Sports Foundation as the major sports award presenter include.
The "Team of the Year Award" goes to the Wushu Federation of the Philippines, Baguio-CAR Chapter headed by sportsman Tony Candelaria, aka Tsing Tong Tsai.
Pedro "Pete" Mendoza, president of the Volleyball Federation of the Philippines, Dr. Leonora Fe Brawner, president of the Philippine Archery Association, both members of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) together with Jeorge Borja Jr., president of the Philippine Judo Association, Northern Luzon will be enshrined in the Kafagway Sports Hall of Famers in recognition of their exemplary leadership and sustained and commendable efforts, particularly in the growth and development of their respective sports disciples.