Senate hails heroic surfer who helped Indonesian rival in SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Tuesday honored Filipino surfer Roger Casogay who decided to set aside his chance to win a gold medal in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games to help his Indonesian competitor.

The Senate approved Senate Resolution 230, taking into consideration Senate Resolution 258, commending Casogay for “exhibiting acts of heroism and bravery”.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who chairs the Senate committee on sports and sponsored the resolution, said Casogay’s selfless act exemplified the Filipino value of bayanihan.

“Indonesian President Jako Widodo, who himself thanked Casogay, said it best: ‘Winning the competition and upholding sportsmanship is important, but humanity is above all’,” Go said.

Go added that he contacted Casogay through his coach and told him that whether he wins or loses, he would receive an Order of Lapu-Lapu award from President Rodrigo Duterte.

Senator Nancy Binay, meanwhile, said Casogay represents the “true spirit of sportsmanship.”

The senator added that for her, Casogay is the “real hero and champion” of the SEA Games.

“He is a winner a thousand golds over. You can always have a chance to get a crack at the gold – but you will never have a chance to get a person’s life back,” Binay said.

“Sobrang inspiring na makita in action ang ganitong klaseng kagitingan, at konkretong halimbawa ito na maaari nating ipakita sa ating mga kabataan,” she added.

(It is so inspiring to see in action these types of heroism and this is a concrete example that we can show the youth.)

Casogay helped Indonesian surfer Arip Nurhidayat back to shore when the latter broke his ankle leash and was swept by giant waves at Monaliza Point in San Juan, La Union.

The Filipino surfer has since been named the country’s flag-bearer during the closing ceremony of the 30th SEA Games.

Casogay, however, said he is no hero.

“I’m no hero. He’s (Nurhidayat) a good swimmer, I just calmed him down,’’ said Casogay.