Two new local sports heroes were added by Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas to its growing stable of national athletes, last Tuesday.
A week after adding Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 to its team, Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Roger Casogay of surfing and Jaime De Lange of skateboarding have been tapped as new ambassadors of the brand.
“We all know basketball is a religion here in our country but there are also other athletes that need our support,” said Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas. “Just like Nikko [Huelgas], we know that Roger and Jaime will be good ambassadors of sportsmanship and goodwill — the core values of our organization.”
On the other hand, Casogay was the hero of the SEAG.
In the midst of competition, the native of La Union rescued his Indonesian foe Arip Nurhidiyat during the men’s longboard event of the meet last December 6. Casogay eventually won gold two days later.
“Yung mga golds that athletes win, madaling makalimutan yan. Pero what you did to do Indonesian surfer is a prouder moment for the country,” said Mascariñas. “Sa sports, sinasabi natin na it’s not just about winning. It’s how you play the game. That’s the message we want to bring.
“Bayani ka. Ikaw ang tunay na Manok ng Bayan.”
Besides the PHP 100,000 they received, Chooks-to-Go vows to support the two in their international endeavors. De Lange is about to embark in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament next month.
Moreover, the two will serve as ambassadors for Bounty Agro Venture Inc’s “Kaya ‘Yan, Manok ng Bayan” drive — a campaign that provides more sports platforms and corporate opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
“Just to have a project between Chooks-to-Go and Special Olympics is so inspiring, so empowering. I think it’s about time that every athlete gets the support they need, including the PIDs,” said De Lange.
“Malaking bagay itong proyektong ito para sa amin. Gagawin namin ang lahat para makatulong at mainspire sila at sabihin na nandito kami para sa kanila,” added Casogay.
