ALEGRIA, SURIGAO DEL NORTE — The name Rydelle Grace Abarico is now permanently etched into the landscape of her hometown. The recent Governor's Cup KSA National Downhill Skateboarding Competition, held from June 26 to 28, marked the official unveiling of Rydelle's Hill, a premier downhill track in Barangay Ombong that now bears her name. The 1.8-kilometer serpentine course, where racers reach average speeds of 80 kilometers per hour, has been transformed into a world-class venue with asphalt overlay and solar lighting, allowing skaters to train safely even at night. This landmark event signals Alegria's ambition to carve its name into the international sports tourism map.
A Champion's Journey of Grit and Glory
Abarico, a 24-year-old athlete from Alegria, has risen to become the world's No. 4-ranked female downhill skater. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, beginning with a bronze medal at the 2019 SEA Games, barely a year after she first picked up a skateboard. She has since battled significant injuries, including a fractured fibula and a dislocated shoulder, only to return stronger, winning gold medals in Thailand and Malaysia and making a defining comeback in Chiang Rai in December 2025. Reflecting on the honor, Abarico said, “I am deeply honored that this course now bears my name. It is more than a track, it is a testament to the belief that athletes from small towns can rise to the world stage”.
Building a Legacy for Sports Tourism
The competition, which drew 150 skaters from 21 provinces and 33 towns and cities, is part of a broader vision to establish Surigao del Norte's mainland as the home of downhill skateboarding. Local officials, including Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers and Mayor Dominador Esma Jr., have spearheaded the track's development and emphasized its role in boosting the local economy and inspiring the youth. “Downhill skateboarding at Rydelle's Hill is a powerful addition, it elevates Alegria's profile, energizes our local economy, and inspires our youth to dream beyond borders,” Mayor Esma said. As the province celebrates the success of its athletes, the fusion of natural beauty, infrastructure investment, and athletic excellence positions Surigao del Norte as a rising hub for international downhill skateboarding.
