In the event that next year’s Palarong Pambansa will be held in Cebu City, the Provincial Government would be more than willing to extend a helping hand, including offering the facilities of its towns and component cities as venues for some sporting events.
This was what Gov. Gwen Garcia told John Pages, chairman of the Cebu City Sports Commission, after the latter asked the governor if Capitol can organize tour packages around the province for athletes and their delegation post-tournament.
Pages, accompanied by Board Member Glenn Soco, told the governor on Tuesday, April 11, that around 12,000 athletes from the country’s 17 regions are expected to participate in the biggest youth sports meet in the country next year.
In February this year, Cebu City signified intent to host the Palaro next year, or 30 years since it last hosted the nationwide amateur competition in 1994.
In response, the governor said that given the overwhelming number of expected delegates, the Capitol is offering the various facilities available in LGUs in the province as possible venues for some sporting events, such as Carcar City’s New Sports Complex that boasts of an oval, grandstand, soccer field, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a diving pool.
Capitol, the governor added, can also easily organize tour packages not only for the athletes but also for their coaching and support staff, as well as their families and supporters around the premier tourism sites in the Province.
If Capitol may be allowed to help Cebu City in hosting the national games, moreover, Gov. Garcia asked Pages to also include the Capitol in the planning and coordination meetings to ensure a smooth and successful sporting event.
As an aside, Pages lauded the Capitol for the success of the One Cebu Island Gov. Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball Cup or Guv Cup which is one of the biggest volleyball tournaments in the country today. | Baby Jane Revecoy
