FOR bringing home medals for their high scores in the Asia International Championship Game held in Malaysia last December 28 to December 31 , a six-member taekwondo team from Tuburan town was recognized by Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III for their accomplishment yesterday at the Capitol.
Davide congratulated the team and gave them cash incentives worth P150,000.
The team composed of Dann Remie Mangabon, 18, and John Ian Nisnisan, 21, represented the Philippines and bagged the gold and silver medals respectively.
The bronze medalists were Marielle Jane Montecillo, 18, Joel Gallarde, 43, Spring Gallarde III, 19, and John Vincent Pagado, 18.
The group’s leader, Nisnisan, said the awards also marked their team’s first time to join an international competition.
“I joined in 2015 but for the rest, this is their first time. We felt a little pressure when we went to Malaysia, and one of our toughest opponents was from China. But we’re thankful for the guidance from San Antonio de Padua and Señor Sto. Niño, we won,” said Nisnisan.
He added that the incentive they received from Capitol will reimburse the amount that they spent in joining the competition.
Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante, who accompanied the team to the Capitol yesterday, revealed to reporters that the team was chosen to represent the country for the taekwondo category of the Asia International Championship Game after winning the nationwide taekwondo tournament in Marikina City in 2016.
Diamante added that he extended support to the team during their training.
“I provided them with a venue inside our compound for their practice, and I personally shouldered the expenses,” said Diamante.
On the other hand, the team’s recent feat will not be the end of their career. Nisnisan said that they are practicing again for the nationwide tryouts for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2019 that will be hosted by the Philippines.
“Tryouts will be held this February, and we’re undergoing more training right now,” he added.