TACLOBAN CITY – Paris Olympics 2024 bronze medalist Aira Villegas received a P2-million incentive from the provincial government of Leyte on Thursday, August 29.
Governor Jericho Petilla, along with board members Carlo Loreto, Raizza Villasin, Wilson Uy, Maria Corazon Remandaban, Michael Cari, Carmen Cari, Flaviano Centino Jr., Ronnan Christian Reposar, and Leyte Liga ng mga Barangay President Ma Martina Gimenez, awarded the cash reward to Villegas during her courtesy call.
Gov. Petilla praised Villegas for bringing great honor to the province, noting that she was once an athlete at the Leyte Sports Academy (LSA), where she began her journey as an athlete-scholar at the age of nine.
In her speech, Villegas credited the LSA for playing a significant role in her success in boxing.
After her visit to the capitol, Villegas also stopped by the LSA to meet with current sports scholars from the province.
Speaking to 87 sports scholars, she advised them to prioritize their education, emphasizing that an athletic career is not permanent.
“Diri ngani kamo umiskwela, an athletes kasi diri permanente, dapat mag-eskwela kita kay kinahanglan gihapun itun natun as backup kun diri na kita athlete,” Villegas said, encouraging them to continue their studies as a backup plan for life after sports.
She also urged the children to always pray and thank God before every competition, maintain discipline, trust their trainers and coaches, be grateful for their blessings, and, most importantly, draw inspiration from their families to achieve their dreams.
Ruben Tamayo, the LSA administrator, expressed pride in Villegas’ achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics, noting that she is the first LSA alumna to become a member of the Philippine National Team and compete in the Olympics, eventually getting a bronze medal.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
