NAGLUKSA ang Philippine sports kamakailan sa pagpanaw ng pangunahing women sports advocate na si Teresita “Tisha” Abundo nitong Linggo, August 13.

Si Abundo, na nagsilbi bilang Commissioner ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) mula 1998-2001, ay 74.

Kilala bilang sikat na volleyball player at official, unang pinarangalan si Abundo ng yumaong President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. ng Presidential Award bilang “Most Outstanding Female Volleyball Player” nung taong 1969.

Dati ding two-time Asian Games volleyball player nung 1966 at 1970, si Abundo ay unang tumanyag matapos katawanin ang Pilipinas sa Universiade, na mas kilala bilang World University Games sa Tokyo, Japan nung 1967, at sa Asian Zonal Volleyball Championships sa Manila nung 1974.

Ibinahagi ng nag-iisang anak na babae ni Abundo na si Michelle Pauline ang malungkot na balita ng pagkamatay ng kanyang ina at nagpasalamat ito sa lahat ng mga nakidamay.

“Our family feels all the support and sympathy, thank you for your messages.

74 years, we thank God for her fulfilled and accomplished life. We hope it will bring comfort to her friends/colleagues/co-models/relatives/students knowing that she passed away peacefully in her sleep on (Sunday 13 Aug), with her children by her side.

Her children have decided not to host a wake, knowing her humble and low-key personality, she would not have wanted one. Her remains will be brought to the same place where Atty. Mel Abundo was laid to rest.

Thank you again for reaching out to send your warm sympathy and comforting words to the family.”

Isa ding dating model ng Karilagan Arts International, ang 5-9 na si Abundo ay naging Athletic Director ng Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA)

Naging bahagi din si Abundo ng pagkatatag ng Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) nung 2009.

Bago siya pumanaw, ninanais ni Abundo na simulan ang kanyang bagong advocacy sa sports, na kung saan itataguyod ang beach volleyball games kasabay ng malawakang paglililinis ng kapaligiran.