ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor Beng Climaco feted weightlifters Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia for their remarkable performance in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Weightlifting Championships held in Thailand.
“Gracias con Dios por el honor ya dale canaton si Hidilyn Diaz y Nestor Colonia. Ta dale gayot ustedes inspiracion canamon y este ta dale mira cay world class el di aton maga atleta Zamboangueño,” Mayor Climaco said during a special ceremony held in honor of the two SEA Games medallists in front of City Hall.
Diaz was a gold medallist in the 53-kg category and Colonia won a bronze medal in the 56-kg category.
Mayor Climaco said that it took 20 years for the Philippines to have a gold medal in the field of weightlifting particularly in the SEA Games through Diaz. She presented to the athletes – in the presence of their families – the symbolic cheques representing the city’s cash incentives for their feats.
Diaz receives P150,000 while Colonia gets P75,000 as provided in City Ordinance 231.
Mayor Climaco also appealed for continuous prayers and support to the two athletes who are set to join more international competitions soon. Diaz is set to undergo the qualifying rounds for the Brazil Olympics.
For the past years, the Zamboanga City Weightlifting Club has produced 12 national athletes, 2 national coaches, 3 regional coaches and a Vice President for the Philippine Weightlifting Association.
Accompanying Diaz and Colonia during the heroes’ welcome ceremonies were coaches Prof. Elbert Atilano Sr. who is the vice president of the SEA weightlifting federation and Philippine Weightlifting Association; Alfonsito Aldanete, head coach national team; Gregorio Colonia, national coach; and regional coaches Allen Jayfrus Diaz, Daniel Agustin and Alvin de los Santos, who was represented by coach Diwa delos Santos.
Also present during the ceremony was Councilor Roel Natividad, chairman of the City Council Committee on Youth and Sports, and City Sports Division Chief Dr. Cecille Atilano. (Sheila Covarrubias)
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