Fiji’s Olympic Order For Sailing Pioneer
For his many years of contribution to the development of sailing in Fiji, Anthony Philp Snr was recognised accordingly by the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC).
Philip Snr was awarded the Fiji Olympic Order during the 2019 Fiji Sports Hall of Fame ceremony at the South Sea Orchids in Nasau, Nadi on Friday night.
“There are a lot of people in this group that have done more but I am proud to be among this group of people,” he said.
“Very humble and grateful for the recognition.
“This is the second time in my family as my son was given this kind of distinction 10 years ago. We are over the moon.
“I have devoted most of my life in yachting. I came from a sailing family. When I was a little kid I had no choice as had to go sailing.
“The sport has seen a lot of growth and there is more coming.”
LEADER IN SPORTS
He is a leader of high standing in the Fiji sporting community and organisational builder and motivator; hugely respected by anyone who has worked for him, competed against him or worked with the Fiji Yachting Association.
A lifetime sailor, he has competed for Fiji in three Olympic Games :
1984- Los Angeles, USA: Tornado Class
1988 – Seoul, Korea: Soling class
1992- Barcelona, Spain: Soling Class.
He completed in several Hobie World Events and Pacific Games, is a multiple time Fiji Hobie National Champion and was second in the South Pacific Sailing Championship.
He co-founded the Fiji Yachting Association 35 years ago and was instrumental in the formation of the Fleet 252, Fiji Hobie Class Racing Association.
His notable achievements in sailing include:
1986- Chair, Hobie World Events, Fiji;
1992- Chair, Windsurfer World Events, Fiji;
2003- Chair South Pacific Games Sailing Events;
2007- Co- Chair 2007 Hobie World Events, Fiji Chair President Cup Event, Fiji Chair Fiji Sports Council.
SAILING CENTRE
He was also instrumental in concept, fundraising and building of the National Sailing Centre that was open in 2003, hosting of the successful South Pacific Games in Fiji.
He has been the race officer for numerous events including the Worlds and the Pacific Games and is a National Sailing Judge.
MENTOR
Genetically, as a father Tony mentored his son, Tony Junior, 9-time World Windsurfing Champion who represented Fiji at five Olympic Games (1984-2000).
He is currently the president of the Oceania Sailing Association and continues to contribute to the development of sailing in Fiji as a mentor to the current Fiji Yachting Association members.
Edited by Osea Bola
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