Beyond the medal hauls and the glory of gold, greatness is found in the moving stories that can inspire a generation!

SOCCKSARGEN walkathon athlete Jerrymae Malinog and Central Visayas runner Asia Paraase are the co-recipients of the 'Most Inspiring Story' award at the #PalarongPambansa2024, recognised for their unparalleled love for their respective athletic disciplines and the values that their journeys represent.

Jerrymae is a Grade 10 working scholar from Kiahe Integrated School, a remote learning institution in Sarangani.

Recognized as the first athlete from the Blaan Indigenous Cultural Community to represent Region 12 at the national games, his participation in the walkathon event is a source of inspiration for aspiring student-athletes from IP communities.

Asia, a 17-year-old track phenom who hauled two Palaro golds, tugged hearts after an emotional scene during one of her races' conclusion where, after emerging victorious, she could be seen assisting her competitors.

In an interview with GMA RTV News, the Palaro champion said she feels a certain kind of pain "seeing her competitors cry at their defeat."

(With reports from Balitang Bisdak and Ian Zane Esparaga/GMA Regional TV News)