Former Philippine Olympic Committee President Cito Dayrit had passed away, Wednesday evening.
He was 69 years old.
Dayrit was a sportsman who dedicated his life to promoting the sport of fencing.
His father, Paco, founded the Philippine Fencing Association back in the 1930s.
Cito would become the PFA’s president from 1997 to 1998, while also serving as the president of the Fencing Confederation of Asia from 2005 until his passing.
“This is a great loss to our sports and painful to those who knew and loved him. Our prayers to the Dayrit family,” said current PFA president Richard Gomez.
He would also serve as a commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission.
“Philippine sports lost a wise man today. He is one of my very first friends in sports and I have always admired his deep understanding of Olympism and sports dynamics in the country. He will be truly missed,” said current PSC chairman Butch Ramirez.
From 1994 to 2004, he would lead the POC.
“I am filled with immense sadness at Cito Dayrit’s passing. He was a friend and valued adviser and I relied on his professionalism, vast knowledge and experience, and honest point of view,” said former POC president Ricky Vargas, who is currently the head of ABAP.
“Philippine and international sports just suffered a devastating loss. I will miss you immensely, my friend. May you rest in peace.”
