The PBA gave due recognition to the athletes that represented the Philippines in the recent Paris Olympics as part of its Season 49 opener on Sunday.
Bronze-winning boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas headlined the national team members that attended the ceremonies done before tipoff of the match between Meralco and Magnolia at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
A two-time Olympic medalist, Petecio was undeniably the fan favorite, receiving cheers and adoration from the appreciative crowd as she entered the court.
But of course, the other Team Philippines athletes were shown love as well for their effort in waving the Philippine tri-colors in sports’ grandest stage.
Gymnast Aleah Finnegan, who also served as muse for the Meralco Bolts during the parade of teams earlier, was feted as well.
Also in attendance were tracksters John Cabang Tolentino and Lauren Hoffmann; judoka Kiyomi Watanabe; and rower Joanie Delgaco.
Absent was double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, although the gymnast great still received the loudest of plaudits upon being mentioned.
Others like pole vaulter EJ Obiena, golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina, fencer Sam Catantan, and swimmers Jarod Hatch and Kayla Sanchez, missed the honoring rites as they flew back to the countries they’re based.
Ditto with gymnasts Emma Malabuyo and Levi Ruivivar.
Also out were boxers Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, and Hergie Bacyadan, as well as the weightlifting troika of Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando, and John Ceniza.
