SAN FRANCISCO—AARP sponsored last Oct. 27, West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service’s effort to recognize Filipino American Victoria Manalo Draves, the first Asian American woman to win two Olympic gold medals for the United States in 1948, at the unveiling of a plaque commemorating her at the Victoria Manalo Draves Park on Folsom Street between 6th and 7th Streets in San Francisco’s South of Market area. In October 2006, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors named the park after Manalo Draves, yet she remains largely unknown.
“We are grateful for the generous support of our presenting sponsor AARP,” said Rudy Asercion, Executive Director of West Bay Pilipino Services. “With their help, we’re paying tribute to Victoria Manalo Draves and encouraging young Filipino-Americans to reach for higher goals.”
“AARP is honored to support the West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service in celebrating the contributions of United States Olympian and gold-medal winner Victoria Manalo Draves and recognizing her part in weaving the fabric of the Filipino American History in this country,” said Ahnileen Martinez, AARP California State Associate Director. “What a wonderful way to close out Filipino American History Month.”
Special guests at the plaque unveiling included San Francisco District Supervisor Jane Kim and Philippine Deputy Consul General Jaime Ramon Ascalon.? Supervisor Kim read the text of the plaque aloud after the unveiling:
“Victoria Manalo Draves was the first Asian-American woman to win an Olympic medal when she earned two gold medals in the 3-meter springboard and the 10-meter platform diving competitions at the 1948 Olympics. Born in the South of Market area to an English mother and Filipino father, Ms. Manalo Draves attended the school adjacent to this site, which later became Bessie Carmichael Elementary School. Ms. Manalo Draves achieved her success despite facing discrimination early in her diving career. Her achievement continues to serve as an inspiration for all athletes interested in competition regardless of race, creed or national origin.”
After the plaque dedication, students at the Bessie Carmichael Elementary School participated in sports and other family friendly activities to celebrate Filipino American History Month.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.? A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.
*Advertising Supplement
(SF Magazine November 1, 2013 MDWK pg.3)
