Cebu Sports Awards to Honor Two Prominent Figures for Lifelong Athletic Support
The 40th Sportswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Brewery (SAC-SMB) Cebu Sports Awards, scheduled for March 8 at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center, will bestow prestigious honors upon two distinguished Cebuano personalities for their unwavering and impactful support of sports. Lorenzo "Chao" Sy is set to receive the Rico Navarro Trophy as Sportsman of the Year, while Atty. Augusto "Gus" Go will be awarded the Presidential Award, recognizing their sustained and significant contributions to the advancement of sports in Cebu.
Lorenzo "Chao" Sy: A Trailblazer in Basketball and Boxing
An esteemed basketball and boxing promoter, Lorenzo Sy began his illustrious career at the remarkably young age of 16, managing the La Fortuna basketball team. This team emerged as a dominant force in Cebu commercial basketball during the 1970s, featuring legendary players such as Mon Fernandez, Manny Paner, Yoyong Martirez, Joaquin Rojas, Dodie Miego, William Yu, Willy Velasco, and Zotico Tan. Sy further cemented his legacy by becoming the youngest boxing promoter in the Philippines at just 17 years old. In 1976, he promoted the explosive match between world champions Bernabe Villacampo and Rolando Navarette at the Cebu Coliseum, a historic event that showcased his early prowess.
Over more than five decades, Sy has remained actively involved in sports. Serving as a Cebu City Sports Commissioner and consultant for the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) in Central Visayas, he has revitalized Cebu boxing through initiatives like his "First of Fury" series and the establishment of the Chao Sy Boxing Stable. These efforts have provided invaluable opportunities for local boxers to pursue their dreams and achieve professional success.
Atty. Augusto "Gus" Go: A Visionary Leader in Athletic Development
Similarly, Atty. Augusto Go has played a crucial and ongoing role as a leader in shaping Cebu's sports landscape. Currently serving as the president of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI), Go has been the mastermind behind the highly successful athletic program at the University of Cebu (UC). This program has produced numerous standout athletes, including basketball stars like June Mar Fajardo, Dondon Hontiveros, and RR Pogoy, as well as two Olympians, weightlifters Elreen Ann Ando and John Febuar Ceniza.
In addition to his work in athlete development, Go spearheaded the multi-million peso renovation of the Cebu Coliseum, leading to the establishment of the Magnum Sports Complex. This world-class facility has provided Cebuanos with access to top-tier infrastructure for various sports, significantly enhancing the region's athletic capabilities and community engagement.
Celebrating Enduring Legacies and Future Prospects
The awards ceremony not only honors the past achievements of Sy and Go but also underscores their ongoing commitment to fostering sports excellence in Cebu. Their contributions span multiple disciplines, from basketball and boxing to weightlifting and facility development, reflecting a comprehensive approach to athletic growth. The event serves as a testament to how dedicated individuals can drive lasting change, inspiring future generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts in the region. As Cebu continues to evolve as a sports hub, the legacies of Sy and Go will undoubtedly remain foundational pillars of its success.
