Vargas the Sportsman
Deeply rooted in his nationalist vision, Vargas saw the goal of sports development in the improvement of the Filipino’s well-being.
Vargas the Sportsman
07 August – 19 December 2008
Memorabilia Room, 3/F
UP Vargas Museum
To commemorate the 118th birthday of Jorge B. Vargas, and to coincide with the 2008 Summer Olympics, the UP Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center opens Vargas the Sportsman on 07 August 2008 at the 3/F Memorabilia of the museum.
Jorge B. Vargas (1890-1980), was born on August 24, 1890. More prominently known as the country’s first executive secretary during the Commonwealth Era and the Mayor of Manila during the Japanese-sponsored Philippine Republic, Vargas was also an accomplished sportsman of his time. He was an athlete, sports ambassador and an avid sports fan. From 1935-1955, he was the President of the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation (PAAF), the equivalent of today’s Philippine Olympic Committee dedicated to the promotion and development of Philippine athletics.
He was also the first Filipino to be elected as lifetime member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). During the founding of the Asian Games Federation (AGF), which previously staged the Asian Games, Vargas represented the Philippines and was elected its vice president.
Vargas left a legacy to the present and future generations through the materials he collected during his lifetime. These include trophies, medals, photographs, press clippings and honorific certificates. His lifelong advocacy for athletics is represented by a large part of his collection dedicated to sports.
Deeply rooted in his nationalist vision, Vargas saw the goal of sports development in the improvement of the Filipino’s well-being.
Exhibition runs until 19 December 2008. For more details on the Vargas the Sportsman exhibit, please contact the UP Vargas Museum at numbers 928-1927 (direct line), 928-1925 (telefax), 981-8500 locals 4024 / 23, or email us at [email protected]
