HEROES don’t always win medals—they win the hearts and admiration of a grateful nation.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez is one grateful man as he recognized Roger Casugay’s heroism, sportsmanship and sacrifice, traits that embody the Filipino Athlete’s true warrior spirit.
“I will include Roger in our awarding in Malacañang to meet the President. The PSC will give him a plaque of recognition for his heroic deed and a cash incentive to be approved by the PSC board, Ramirez said in a statement.
By now, Casugay’s ultimate sacrifice has been well documented by sportswriters, the media and netizens alike.
The country’s bet in the men’s longboard open event in surfing, Roger failed to win a medal of any color, although he had already built a sizable lead eight minutes into the competition.
He didn’t win a medal, because he chose the ultimate sacrifice in sports, of setting aside his quest for glory, and instead help others in times of life-threatening situations.
Roger’s ultimate sacrifice—he rescued surfing rival, Indonesian Arip Nurhidayat, who was in danger of being swallowed by the waves of Mona Lisa Point beach in La Union after his surfer’s leash broke—has become the biggest story in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, perhaps even bigger than the athletes’ rash of golds in the first six days of competition.
It was a great story which deserves to be retold, not only to inspire others, but to remind us all that in sports, winning isn’t everything—it’s about how you play the game.
Image credits: Mau Victa