Manila, Philippines, April 29, 2021: The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) mourns the passing of former President Celso L. Dayrit, who passed away on Wednesday, April 28. He was 70 years old.
“A champion for Filipino sports, he lived a life filled with compassion, dedication and kindness,” the POC said in a tribute on Thursday, April 29.
Mr. Dayrit represented Filipino sports in multiple capacities, leading the charge for athletic development. He served as POC President from 1994 to 2004 and, even after his term, continued to embody the Olympic spirit with his involvement in the Olympic Solidarity movement of the International Olympic Committee.
Cito, as he was fondly called, passed away as the President of the Fencing Confederation of Asia for 15 years.
For his achievements, he was given the Olympic Merit Award in 2006 by the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and was recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in 2007.
“Philippine sports lost one of its brightest beacons and the world lost a beautiful, kind soul,” the POC added.
“POC officials join his bereaved family in requesting all sports-loving Filipinos and the general public prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of former POC President Cito Dayrit.”
Source: POC - Philippine Olympic Committee - Olympic.PH @OlympicPHI