RP ATHLETE OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS
Manila, Dec. 26, 1997 - President Ramos and Speaker Jose de Venecia will present the trophy to the 1997 Athlete of the Year on Monday, December 29.
Six big performers this year are fighting it out for the top prize: world boxing champions Gerry Penalosa and Luisito Espinoza, amateur boxer Roel Velasco, gymnast Pia Adelle Reyes, athletics star Elma Muros-Posadas and swimmer Ryan Papa.
Appearing to be front-runners are the three boxers and gymnast Reyes, the 13-year-old who emerged as the most outstanding Filipino athlete in the Jakarta Southeast Asian Games.
All six contenders will also receive awards in their respective categories.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 1997
All rights reserved