MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, along with other medalists from Southeast Asia, will be getting free flights from AirAsia, airline CEO Tony Fernandes announced on his Facebook account Wednesday, August 24.
"What an Olympics this was for ASEAN. AirAsia which has its roots in ASEAN wants to reward those who gave us so much joy. Also they taught and reminded us never to give up on your dreams and never stop believing you can be the best in the world," he wrote.
"AirAsia wants to reward GOLD medalists with FREE FLIGHTS for LIFE. We will also reward our silver and bronze medalists. We want all ASEAN to believe they can be the best in the world. Thank you to all the medalists for making us dream and believe."
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According to a report from New Straits Times Online, Fernandes said silver medalists such as Diaz will be given free flights for 5 years while bronze medalists will be able to fly on the airline for free for 3 years.
Diaz was the lone Olympic medalist for the Philippines at this year's Rio Games, and was the first for the country in 20 years. She won silver in the women's 53kg weightlifting class.
Countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had 18 total medalists in the Rio Olympics.
Of the 18, there were 5 gold medalists, including Singaporean swimmer Joseph Schooling. There were 10 silver medalists and 3 bronze winners. – Rappler.com