Indonesia President All Praises For Filipino Surfer Who Saved Indonesian Rival

Indonesian President on Monday, December 9 thanked Filipino surfer for his heroic act in rescuing an Indonesian competitor from being swept away by big waves in a one-on-one race during a Southeast Asian Games surfing event last week.

Filipino surfer Roger Casogay lost his chance to win for a gold medal, after helping fellow surfer and competitor Arip Nurhidayat who broke his ankle leash and was swept by giant waves in San Juan, La Union last Friday.

“Winning the competition and upholding sportsmanship is important, but humanity is above all. My appreciation for Roger Casugay, a Filipino surfer who gave up the golden opportunity to help Indonesian athletes who fell in the race. Greetings from Indonesia,” President Widodo said in a tweet.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte has summoned Casogay to Malacañang after the SEA Games, Philippine Sports Commission Chair William “Butch” Ramirez said in a statement.

“I will include Roger in our awarding in Malacanang to meet the President. The PSC will give him a plaque of recognition for his heroic deed and a cash incentive to be approved by the PSC board,” he said in a statement.

The La Union-born surfer was also chosen to be the Philippines’ flag-bearer in the SEA Games closing ceremonies at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

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“These Games are not only about medals. It is about character, resilience, love for one another and shoring up the faith of the person next to you, something that Casugay has exemplified,” Ramirez said.

“The very spirit shown by the heroism of Roger who gave up his chance for a golden finish to save an opponent at risk of losing his life to the very waves they play in... Truly a class act, a solid show of the Filipino spirit,” he added.

While the public lauded Casogay’s heroic deed, the Filipino surfer downplayed it saying, “I’m no hero. He’s (Nurhidayat) a good swimmer, I just calmed him down.”

RELATED: Netizens Laud Filipino Surfer After Saving Indonesian Rival Over Chance Of Winning Gold

Source: Facebook