Celso Dayrit

Celso Dayrit was an accomplished fencer who later went on to serve in multiple sports executive roles in the Philippines. Dayrit competed in all three fencing disciplines and represented the Philippines at international competitions from 1979 until 1988, including winning a bronze medal at the 1987 Southeast Asian Games.

Dayrit joined the Philippine Sports Commission in 1993 before joining the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) the following year. He then served as the President of the POC from 1999 until 2004. During this time he also led on the creation of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee. After his work with the POC Dayrit continued to work closely with the International Olympic Committee for the rest of his career.

The Philippine Olympic Academy and the Philippine Olympians Association were both founded by Dayrit, and he was honoured with multiple awards for his work and contributions to sport in the country. In 2006 he received the Olympic Merit Award, and was recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia the following year. Dayrit was also honoured for his contributions to fencing, becoming an honorary member of the International Fencing Federation in addition to being inducted into their Hall of Fame.