Manila to give Carlos Yulo a hero's parade following 2024 Paris Olympics double gold
The city government of Manila is set to give Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo a hero's parade following his historic double gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"Wala po kaming pagsidlan ng tuwa para kay Carlos Edriel Yulo sa kanyang pambihirang tagumpay sa pagkamit ang dalawang gintong medalya sa Paris Olympics 2024," Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said in a statement posted on her Facebook page on Aug. 5.
"By achieving this incredible feat, Carlos Yulo has forever etched his name in the annals of Philippine and Asian sports," Lacuna added.
The mayor said they will announce the date and route of the parade once they've coordinated with Yulo's team.
But tentatively, Lacuna is planning to kick off the parade on Leveriza Street in Malate where Caloy grew up, "where it all began."
The parade will pass through areas near Malacañang, the University Belt, and will conclude at Manila City Hall.
"Here, Caloy Yulo will receive cash incentives, honors, and recognition from the entire Local Government of Manila," Lacuna said, adding it is the city's way of paying tribute to his greatness.
Lacuna said her office will coordinate with the Department of Education and private schools in Manila "to ensure that more of our youth can witness the parade."
"This way, what they only see on TV, they can experience up close," she said. "Caloy’s victory will serve as an inspiration for them to discover more Carlos Yulos among the youth of Manila and the entire Philippines."
At the parade, the LGU will give Yulo P2 million for his two gold medals.
Lacuna wrote: "Hindi matatawaran ang iyong pagod at hirap na dinanas mo upang makamit ang tagumpay na iyong natanggap. Lagi mong tatandaan na nandito ang iyong tahanan, ang Lungsod ng Maynila, lagi sa iyong likod, handang tumulong sa iyong paglalakbay tungo sa iyong tagumpay"
Yulo scored 15.116 points during the men's vault finals event on Aug. 4, Manila time, beating Armenia's Davtyan (14.966) and Great Britain's Hepworth (14.946).
A day before that, he dominated the gymnastics men's floor exercise finals, scoring 15.000 during his pet event. Israel's Artem Dolgopyat finished silver with 14.966 and Britain's Jake Jarman got bronze with 14.933.
Yulo is the second Filipino athlete to ever win a gold medal at the Olympics after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The government and several businesses have pledged cash and in-kind rewards for Yulo following his achievement.