ALEGRIA, SURIGAO DEL NORTE—This trailblazing town is carving its name into the international sports tourism map, thanks to the meteoric rise of hometown heroine Rydelle Grace Abarico.

The Governor’s Cup KSA National Downhill Skateboarding Competition, staged from June 26 to 28, heralded the official unveiling of Rydelle’s Hill—a premier downhill skateboarding track dedicated to Abarico’s legacy.

``I am deeply honored that this course now bears my name,” Abarico said, reflecting on the newly inaugurated Rydelle’s Hill in Barangay Ombong here. “It is more than a track, it is a testament to the belief that athletes from small towns can rise to the world stage.’’

Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, together with Alegria Mayor Dominador Esma Jr. and Vice Mayor Rene G. Esma, spearheaded the transformation of Rydelle’s Hill into a premier competition venue, ensuring its asphalt overlay and solar lighting that now allow skaters to train with speed and safety, even under the night sky.

“This competition is only the beginning of a much larger journey. By next year, we envision Alegria welcoming athletes from across the globe, transforming this race into a truly international showcase of skill, speed, and sportsmanship,’’ said Governor Barbers.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission for championing our province’s sports tourism initiatives,” Barbers declared, lauding PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio as a steadfast advocate and visionary in advancing sports tourism.

The 1.8-kilometer steep, serpentine course, with speeds averaging 80 kilometers per hour, drew 150 skaters from 21 provinces and 33 towns and cities, highlighting the growing appetite for downhill racing in the Philippines.

Veteran downhill skater David Sebastian Chanco from Santa Rosa, Laguna ruled the elite/open men’s race, beating Warren Arnaiz of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, Puerto Princesa’s Carlo Jay Borja and Vigan City’s Dustin Maglasang to the line.

Marsi Ferrer from General Santos City topped the women’s category after outsprinting Surigao City’s Marta Mendez and Iligan City’s Alva Ragrag while Jay Longakit of General Santos claimed the men’s Class B title in a sprint with Gen San’s James Gonzaga.

At just 24 years old, Abarico has already etched her legacy in the sport.

From clinching a bronze medal at the 2019 SEA Games—barely a year after picking up a skateboard—to becoming the No. 4 ranked female downhill skater in the world at the 2024 World Championships in Tortoreto, Italy, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Along the way, she has battled injuries, including a fractured fibula and a dislocated shoulder, only to return stronger, winning gold medals in Thailand and Malaysia. Her comeback in Chiang Rai in December 2025 reaffirmed her place among the sport’s elite.

``Our mountains and hills are natural assets, and we believe in harnessing them for sustainable sports tourism,’’ said Mayor Esma, pointing out that they hosted an UCI international mountain bike race last month and plan a trail run this August.

``Downhill skateboarding at Rydelle’s Hill is a powerful addition, it elevates Alegria’s profile, energizes our local economy, and inspires our youth to dream beyond borders,” he added.

Mark Lloyd Garde of Butuan City reigned supreme in the masters class with Surigao City Kokong Escobal and Bryan Batisan of Cabanatuan City likewise reaching the podium. Jerrey Saligumba from Maasim, Sarangani ruled the beginners category over Wacy Sawitan of Malitbog, Bukidnon in the race staged for the third year in a row.

“We have successfully positioned Siargao as the surfing capital of the Philippines. Now, we are determined to establish Surigao del Norte’s mainland as the home of downhill skateboarding,’’ said Governor Barbers, emphasizing the province’s vision.

With Siargao’s waves already world-renowned, Alegria’s hills are poised to become equally iconic.

The fusion of natural beauty, infrastructure investment, and athletic excellence positions Surigao del Norte as a rising hub for international downhill skateboarding, a place where local pride meets global ambition.

``Sports tourism is not just about competition, it is about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and showcasing the beauty of our province to the world,” added Barbers.

For Abarico, the Governor’s Cup was not just a ceremonial milestone but a personal one. Still recovering from a knee injury sustained weeks earlier, she remains focused on her next challenge—the World Skate Games in Paraguay this October.

“Representing the Philippines on the world stage is both a privilege and a responsibility. This hill, this community, and this province remind me why I push through every injury and setback. I carry Alegria and Surigao Del Norte with me wherever I compete,’’ said Abarico.