A slew of outstanding women athletic performers in the year just past will be in the spotlight during the inaugural Women in Sports Awards on Wednesday, March 20 at the heritage-rich Rizal Memorial Coliseum. 

Over 50 major awardees, both individual and teams, in various disciplines will be feted for the first time in the gala event jointly organized by the Philippine Commission for Women and Philippine Sports Commission coinciding with the celebration of International Women’s Month.

“This is our way of paying homage to our national women athletes who did their flag and country proud in 2023. They are shining examples of what women’s empowerment is all about,” noted PSC Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo.

“They are our models of pushing the envelope of gender equality, which is a major thrust of the Philippine Commission for Women,” Coo, a former bowling great, added.   

Among the major awardees recognized in the glittering event supported by Wrist POD, CEL Logistics and Milo are Women’s Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Jack Aminam, Asian 400-meter hurdles queen Robyn Brown, boxer and Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Nesthy Petecio and women’s world 10-ball champion Chezka Centeno. 

Also included in the distinguished roster are Philippine Southeast Games double gold medalist and golfer Bianca Pagdanganan, Olympic-bound gymnast Aleah Finnegan, top fencer Samantha Catantan, Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna and premier figure skater Isabella Gamez.  

Atty. Cheyzer Mendoza, the most bemedalled female chess player in both the Cambodia ASEAN Para games and 4th Hangzhou Asian Para Games, and wheelchair dancer Edelyn de Asis, who won a pair of golds with partner Julius Jun Obero in the Para Dance World Championships will also be recognized. 

“We will also award citations to other athletes who have made an impact in their respective sports,” the PSC official said. 

The 1st Women in Sports Awards will be a fitting tribute not only for athletes but also for those who have contributed to their success like their coaches, nutritionists, and sports psychologists, according to Coo.

“The success of our national athletes requires a strong support group, which includes their coaches, nutritionists, and sports psychologists so that they can be at their best and excel in international play. We will recognize their efforts behind the scenes on this occasion,” she stressed.