Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 9)— A full athletic scholarship in honor of the country’s first Olympic gold medalist is set to be launched by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB) this coming school year 2022-2023.
Known as the “Benilde Hidilyn Diaz Scholarship for Athletes,” the school will be handing out the prestigious grant to five national athletes in the first year.
“Initially but this is not final yet, they should officially be members of the roster of the national team certified by their national sports associations,” CSB’s athletic director and Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Fernandez said on Wednesday.
“We really want to give a chance to these young athletes to finish and have an education.”
Diaz, who is a business management scholar at CSB, has also been invited to take part in the screening process.
“Masaya ako na magiging parte ako ng committee para makita ko kung ano talaga yung attitude or personality ng athlete na papasok dito. Syempre kasi under my name, gusto ko yung may determination and goals sa ginagawa kasi ito yung once in a lifetime opportunity na mabibigay sa kanila na I’m hoping makakapagpatapos sa kanila sa pag-aaral,” Diaz said.
[Translation: I am glad to be part of the committee so I can see the attitude or personality of the athlete. Since it’s under my name, I hope it will be someone with determination and goals. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity given to them and I’m hoping it can help them finish their education.]
In a special ceremony on Wednesday, the four-time Olympian also highlighted the importance of academic success as an athlete.
“Malaking bagay po yun sa akin kasi hindi kami parating atleta. Kailangan po naming mag-aral at sa Benilde ang dami ko pong natutunan,” Diaz said.
[Translation: It’s a huge deal for me because we’re not always athletes. In Benilde, we really need to study and I’ve learned a lot.
During the hybrid event, Diaz was also awarded as the first recipient of the Benilde Medallion, the institution’s highest recognition given to individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions.
After battling COVID-19 last month, Diaz is set to intensify her training as she eyes her second straight gold medal at the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam this May.
“Gutom na gutom pa rin at kaya ko ito ginagawa kasi mahal ko ang sport. Kahit nanalo ako ng gold medal sa Olympics, hindi ibig sabihin magsa-stop na ako. Tuloy tuloy pa rin,” she said.
[Translation: I’m still hungry for more, that’s why I’m doing this, because I love the sport. Even though I won gold in the Olympics, it doesn’t mean I will stop. I’ll continue.]
