TWO Cebuanos from different generations who brought pride and glory to their hometown were honored yesterday by the Cebu City Government.
2018 Asian Games gold medalist Margielyn Didal received a plaque of recognition for her exceptional skills in skateboarding, while a holy mass, flowers and a tribute were offered for former Philippine president Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. to commemorate his 140th birth anniversary.
In a tribute message, Maria Victoria “Minnie” Osmeña reminded the Cebuanos to be united in order to achieve a peaceful community, the same call made by her grandfather several years ago.
“We Cebuanos are one. We devote to each other, we must never forget that. We must always help each other no matter what happens in the country. It is only when we are united that our voice will be heard,” she said.
Also during the celebration, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he is proud of Didal and that she is a “source of inspiration.”
“She teaches us a lesson of perseverance. I hope that very soon, our youth will be more and more into skateboarding and take them away from drugs,” he said.
An emotional Didal, who was flanked by her parents and some Cebu City officials, thanked the mayor’s sister, Minnie, for donating P5 million for the construction of the proposed skate park at the South Road Properties.
“Natagaan gyud og pagtagad ang skateboarding sa Cebu. For six years, nag-struggle ko sa streets, karun gitagaan ko og award. Nanghinaot ug maghuwat ko sa skate park, diin mapasalamaton kaayo ko. Emotional ko kay para sa skaters ni,” she said.
The gold medalist also promised to bag another gold in the 2020 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan.
“I want to be more focused for the 2020 Olympics. It’s for all the Cebuanos. Gold medal for sure, nganong dili man?” Didal added.