Two Viracnons who ruled their divisions in Judo at the UAAP Season 85 paid courtesy calls on Catanduanes’ political leaders last week and received congratulatory messages for their feat that brought pride to the islanders.
Black belter Ryan Christian Benavidez and his cousin, blue belter Oonah Sophia Shekinah Benavidez, both University of Santo Tomas students from Palnab del Sur, visited the offices of Virac Mayor Samuel Laynes, Vice Governor Peter Cua and Governor Joseph Cua last Friday, Jan, 6, 2023.
Ryan Christian, a graduating college student, won gold in the men’s 66 kg. division while Oonah Sophia, a 2nd year Junior High student, also won gold in the girls’ 57 kg. division during the games. The duo were accompanied by Ryan Christian’s acting coach, Helen Aclopen of Baguio City, a silver medalist in kurash at the Hanoi SEA Games.
Both judoka champions will compete in the upcoming Asian Games in Qatar this September 2023.
Gov. Cua extended his warm congratulations to the athletes for a job well done, and for bringing pride and joy to the local sports community.