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Roger Casogay, whose inspiring story went viral during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, became the first Filipino to win the the Pierre de Coubertin Act of Fair Play award by the Comité International du Fair-Play (International Fair Play Committee).
The International Surfing Association (ISA) through its membership and development manager Alex Reynolds, informed the United Philippine Surfing Association (UPSA) Tuesday, August 11, of Casogay’s achievement.
“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 chairman William Ramirez, who named Casogay as the country’s 2019 SEA Games closing ceremonies flag-bearer.
The San Fernando, La Union native earned the praise of both the local sports community and foreign fans for helping Indonesian surfer Arip Nurhidiyat swim back to shore after his leash got detached during the SEA Games men’s longboard semifinals.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo even lauded the Filipino for his act that was deemed heroic by many. (READ: ‘Heart of gold’: Pinoy SEA Games surfer lauded for saving competitor from drowning)
Casogay eventually cruised to the 2019 SEA Games men’s longboard gold.
“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.
The award, named after the father of the Olympic games Pierre de Coubertin, will officially be given to Casogay on October 27.
The 26-year-old surfer is expected to fly to Monaco to personally receive the award, but he also has an option to receive the award virtually.
Past recipients of the honor were heroic and notable humanitarian figures such as Sergey Bubka (athletics), László Papp (boxing), and Miguel Indurain (cycling).
Surfing made its debut in the recent staging of the regional biennial meet, where the country finished as overall champions with two gold (including Casogay’s gold in the men’s longboard event), two silver and 3 bronze medals.
Casogay also received the 2019 SEA Games fair play award during the closing ceremonies held at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, last December. – Rappler.com
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