Strive harder, says SKC hall of famer

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH. Hall of famer Atsuko Kaiyel Tan delivers her speech while her father Rommel holds her award during the 24th So Kim Cheng (SKC) Awards Night held at the Royal Ballroom of The Royal Mandaya Hotel Sunday evening. (Dabaw City Sports Council Inc. photo)
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH. Hall of famer Atsuko Kaiyel Tan delivers her speech while her father Rommel holds her award during the 24th So Kim Cheng (SKC) Awards Night held at the Royal Ballroom of The Royal Mandaya Hotel Sunday evening. (Dabaw City Sports Council Inc. photo)

BEMEDALLED karateka Atsuko Kaiyel "Kayang" Tan of Association for the Advancement of Karate (AAK) Davao was crowned the youngest hall of famer during the 24th So Kim Cheng (SKC) Awards Night held at the Royal Ballroom of The Royal Mandaya Hotel Sunday evening.

The eight-year-old purplebelt karateka, who also received her third-straight SKC athlete of the year award from SKC Foundation chairman So Peng Kee along with Davao City Sports Council Inc. (DCSCI) president Dexter So, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) regional director and presidential adviser for sports Glenn Escandor, Davao City Councilor Diosdado Mahipus and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) deputy executive director lawyer Guillermo Iroy, Jr. and Sports Development Division-City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO) chief Michael Denton Aportadera, expressed her gratitude to all the people who supported her all throughout her journey.

"To my coach, mentor, father and hero, who kept reminding me to expect the unexpected and always try to be prepared for everything, for that I am forever grateful," Atsuko said.

She also said, "When I heard I will be the athlete of the year for the third time, the first thing comes out in my mind was, `Ako na naman? Di ba pwedeng iba nalang?' But little did I know that being always on top always comes with a prize."

She narrated that the tiring hours of training, being absent during family gatherings and school activities, and having to leave her younger sister for days for competition are among her sacrifices.

"Furthermore, I don't even have the chance to watch movies and play on my Ipad at midnight and drink soda. That's how hard my life is," she continued.

She, however, urged the next athlete of the year to strive to become the next hall of famer.

"This award will one day land on the hands of another athlete who shares the same passion and dedication. Whoever he or she might be; only time and opportunity can tell. Kaya yan mga besh," she said.

Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio, in a message read by Aportadera, said the city government of Davao has always been committed to promote unity among local athletes, sports leaders, coaches and enthusiasts through sports and recreation.

"We thank the SKC Foundation Inc., and the Dabaw City Sports Council for being a constant source of support for our Dabawenyo athletes and an instrument in honing our youth to become successful and disciplined athletes. Kudos on 24 years of this annual Sports Awards, a testament not only of your commitment to the development of sports, but also a celebration of sports achievement of Dabawenyos in an out of the playing field," the mayor said.

Iroy, who received the lifetime achievement award, vowed that PSC will continue to help SKC in promoting sports and excellence.

So, who gave the closing remarks, hopes that the awards will inspire other athletes to excel.

He added, "My grandfather, the late So Kim Cheng, had a vision to elevate the level of sporting competition in Davao into a national and even international level. So before we end tonight, in behalf of the SKC Foundation and the So family, we would like to thank you for being with us for the 24 years."

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