By Erwin M. Mascariñas
Correspondent

Butuan City — Two athletes who represented the city and earned a gold and bronze medal will receive cash incentives and a commemorative award for their winning performances during the 30th South East Asian Games (SEA Games) 2019.

21-year-old Dave Cea reigned supreme in the Taekwondo Men’s under-74 kilograms (light) category as he secured the gold medal win for the Philippines after a 10-5 win over NutthaweeKlompong of Thailand in the Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, on Dec. 8.

Cea who is a resident of purok 4, Barangay Tagabaka said it is his first time to participate the Sea Games and how he is overwhelmed with the win, expressing that he still cannot believe what he has achieved, pointing to his training as a factor for the successful gold medal win.

Butuan City councilor Cromwell Nortega sponsored and passed a Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution no 15-399-2019, commending Cea, citing him as a Butuanon athlete for winning the gold medal in Taekwondo on his category and grants cash incentive of P30,000 to the athlete.

While another resolution was prepared for Sepak Takraw player Elly Jan SemineNituda who is a member of the nine-man Philippine Sepak Takraw team that won the bronze in the Team Double Event Men after reaching the semi-final rounds on Dec. 5 at the Subic Gymnasium.

The team lost to Myanmar 2-1 during the match no 12, semi-final round after 3-sets, with Philippines winning the first and Myanmar winning on the 2nd and final set, Thursday morning.    

Nortega passed another resolution No 15-395-2019, for bronze medal winner Nituda in the Team Doubles Men’s event and grants cash incentive of P15,000.

“The SP expresses its salutations to both atheletes for their noteworthy achievements, and for bringing pride and honor to the City,” said Nortega who is the vice chair for the committee on sports.

The SP official also indicated that plans for a welcome recognition and sports achiever awards will be given out during the turn-over ceremonies of the cash incentives.

“The planned program and preparations are now underway and the awards with incentives will be given to the athletes on Dec. 23,” stated Nortega.