BOSS Ironman exudes sports tourism potential

OFFICIALS from different local government units in Mindanao lauded the seamless staging of the BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge last June 22 to 23, which, according to them, highlighted the region’s natural treasures and the friendliness of its people.

House Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez thanked the BMW Owners Society of Safe Riders (BOSS), the organizer of the event, in bringing the country’s premier endurance run to the region that gave the locals a chance to showcase their tourist destinations.

“We are sure that the participants enjoyed the hospitality of our people, the awesome road network, our delicious food and more importantly, the peace and tranquility that we are now enjoying,” says Hernandez.

The lawmaker was among the 600 participants who completed the 1,200-kilometer route within the 24-hour time limit set by the organizers. It was the first time the BOSS, led by its president Tey Usis, staged the event in Southern Philippines in the 13-year history of Ironman Motorcycle Challenge (IMC).

Lito Flores, IMC organizing committee chairman, expressed his gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte- Carpio for their support.

The Dutertes believe the IMC complements the Go South tourism campaign being waged by the present administration.

The BOSS also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by lawmakers Raymund Mendoza ( TUCP party list), Ping Tejada (Cotabato), Tina Plaza (Agusan del Sur), Neil Roque (Bukidnon), Assemblyman Khadafeh Mangudadatu (Maguindanao), South Cotabato Governor Daisy Fuentes, North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Jacolo Taliño-Mendoza, Agusan del Sur Governor Adolf Edward Plaza and General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera.

After taking off from SM Lanang Premier in Davao City, participants rode their big bikes to the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato and Sarangani before heading back to Davao City.