The Philippine Olympians Association (POA) recently recognized athletes for representing the Philippines at the past prestigious Olympic Games.

The organization awarded the OLY Recognition to global delegates in an intimate ceremony held at the Sports and Dormitory Complex of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

Founded in June 2002, the POA is an independent body that acts on behalf of Filipino participants who have competed in the major international multi-sport event.

Affiliated with the World Olympians Association (WOA), it is accredited by the highest authority, the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The distinction was handed by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Walter Torres, POA President Akiko Thomson-Guevara, and POA Treasurer and Benilde Center for Sports Development Director Stephen Fernandez to inspiring individuals for their valuable efforts that brought pride and glory to the country’s athletics.

The honorees included judoka Benjamin Mcmurray and fencer Percival Ager for their remarkable participation in the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics.

The accord was also bestowed to swimmers, who have showcased their skills in their respective seasons: Christine Jacob Sandejas in the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, Rene Concepcion in the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, and Jessie Lacuna in the 2010 Singapore Summer Youth Olympics, 2012 London Summer Olympics, and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics.

Taekwondo jin Kirstie Elaine Alora was likewise hailed for her exemplary performance in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics. She was accompanied by Benilde Taekwondo coach and Alora’s mentor Roberto Cruz, who previously received the OLY Recognition for his outstanding abilities during the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics.

The grantees solemnly took the Filipino Olympian’s oath and pledged to promote the ideals and develop the values of vision, focus, commitment, and discipline of the Olympic Movement in the Philippines.

Alora, who is currently coaching the Taekwondo junior national team of the Philippines and Benilde Taekwondo varsity members, highlighted she is grateful to impart her experience and knowledge to emerging players.

“I want to give back to the community as an athlete,” the Benilde Export Management alumna underscored. “I think this is also a way of sharing all my learnings and passing it to the next generation.”

Fernandez, the Taekwondo Bronze medalist in the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics, on the other hand, commended Alora for motivating the budding prodigies in their respective fields.

He likewise advised aspiring talents to keep training with determination and focus on their goals.

“You just have to listen, work hard and strive,” he urged. “If success comes along the way, you just have to return or give back, whenever possible. ”

The OLY Recognition will be given to all Filipino Olympians after their respective games.

For more information on POA, visit philippineolympians.org/homepage.