The Asociación de Cronistas Deportivos, the Santo Domingo sports writers association, chose the best athletes of 1997 in a ceremony sponsored by the Cervecería Nacional Dominicana that produces Presidente beer and Malta Morena. Athlete of the year: Pedro Martinez Sport of the year: volleyball Swimming: Guillermo Cabrera, Shaderska Perez Weightlifting: Carlos Holguin, Wanda Rijo Golf: Robert Smith, Dominique Gagnon Volleyball: José Adames, Nurys Arias Motociclismo: Aris Azcona Auto racing: Adriano Abreu Track and field: Julio Luciano, Elisa Perez Basketball: Franklin Western, Laritza Díaz Chess: Jose Manuel Dominguez, Esther Garcia Portes. Bowling: Victor Richard Jr., Aumi Guerra. Professional baseball: Jose Oliva Soccer: Oscar Mejia Amateur baseball: Robert Acosta Gymnastics: Wilson Balley, Daryelisa Portorreal Karate: Alberto Zabala, Betty Acevedo Tae Kwon Do: Naciri Perez and Wendy Grullon Table tennis: May Hernandez, Mary Rodriguez Skeet: Manuel de Jesus Figuereo, Yuberka Espinal. Shooting: Eduardo Sella Leon Sailing: Jose Adames. Enrique Bonetti: polo Volleyball: Felipe Henriquez, Nurys Arias. Motocross: Franklin Noguera Cycling: Wendy Cruz, Amelia Blanco Triathlon: Roberto Nunez, Judith Hernandez Equestrian: Gabriella Porello Lovaton, Tennis: Rodrigo Vallejo, Glenis Cepeda. Handball: Evelin Soto, Manuel Sepulveda Go Kart: Carlos Arturo Vasquez Professional Boxing: Julio Cesar Green Amateur boxing: Jairo David Gonel. Softball: Modesto Figuereo Racquetball: Leonel Simo, Claudine Garcia. Judo: Jose Vicbart Geraldino, Dulce Maria Piña. Fishing: Luis Viyella, Ana de Marrero
