Manila, Philippines, July 20, 2022: Bowling legend Olivia “Bong” Coo has been appointed by the Philippine Sports Commission as one of the four commissioners for the new administration.
The government sports agency announced the development on Tuesday, July 19 with Coo being welcomed by executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr.
“This is a dream come true,” said Coo. “It’s like having a full circle in my athletic career from an athlete to coach, instructor, National Sports Association leader and now PSC commissioner. I will focus more on sports excellence, especially the women.”
As an athlete, Coo brought the country so much pride by winning a number of medals in various tournaments including five golds in the Asian Games and eight gold medals in the SEA Games.
The 74-year-old Coo had also ruled 14 editions of the Asian Championships from 1970 to 1992.
She is a member of the World Bowling Hall of Fame and Philippine Sports Hall of Fame for being a four-time world champion with 37 gold medals in the international arena.
She is also the first Filipino athlete to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records twice after posting a total 137 titles with at least one Masters crown for 28 consecutive years.
Recently, the Philippine Postal Corporation honored her on a stamp as part of the Outstanding Filipino Living Legends in its 75th anniversary of its inaugural stamp.
The PSC will name three more board members and a new Commissioner, who will lead the government's sports funding arm under the new administration.
Source: GMA/Daily Tribune