By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Surfer Roger Casogay made history as the first Filipino to win the Pierre de Coubertin Act of Fair Play Award.
The award, given by the Comite International du Fair-Play (International Fair Play Committee), is awarded for gestures of fair play in which an athlete impedes their own performance to aid a fellow competitor.
Casogay’s newest feat was recognized right after the International Surfing Association (ISA) through its development manager Alex Reynolds relayed the information to the United Philippine Surfing Association (UPSA).
“We are very proud of Roger because he has truly exemplified the true meaning of being a Filipino and a sportsman,” said Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) chairman William Ramirez.
To recall, Casogay got the respect of the whole Asian surfing community after helping Indonesian surfer Arip Nurhidiyat swim back to the shore with his leash getting unhooked during the SEA Games men’s longboard semifinals.
Despite the time delay Casogay incurred, he still managed to qualify for the finals and clinched the gold medal.
“It is nice to recognize an athlete not only for his athletic skills but also for his humanity. Holding surfing during the Southeast Asian Games is a milestone event. It paved the way for the ISA to recognize the region and allowed Roger to be also recognized,” said UPSA President Jose Raul Canlas.
