Award inspires Jean Lhuillier to do more for PHL sports
For his contribution to sports grassroots development, Cebuano Jean Henri Lhuillier was awarded the Sportsman of the Year plum in the 36th Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) awards at the Robinsons Galleria yesterday.
Lhuillier, a major backer in softball and tennis in the country, said that he will continue to do his part in bringing glory to Philippine sports.
“This recognition I would not take lightly; itencourages me to continuously do my part in bringing glory to sports,” said the president of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asphil) in his speech.
“I’m thankful that you’ve chosen me as Sportsman of the Year. I would like to make sure to continue to help Philippine sports, continue to help athletes, continue to develop the grassroots programs in tennis and softball and also other sports where we feel we can add value,” he said.
Lhuillier encouraged athletes to continue to defy the odds and think positive each day and continue the quest to bring glory to our country through sports.
“Set your goals very high and don’t stop until you get there,” Lhuillier quoted the legendary basketball coach Phil Jackson.
Lhuillier said that Asaphil has launched a four-year plan in 2016 to bring the BluGirls, the softball women’s national team, to the 2020 Olympics.
Since the launch of the fouryear plan, the BluGirls have defeated world-ranked teams like Canada, Australia, China, Chinese Taipei and Mexico.
“The team has performed better than expected. They showed competitiveness and fighting spirit against world ranked teams,” he said.