NCC’s SEA Games venues get ‘Class 1’ certification
MANILA -- The International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF) and the International Swimming Federation (FINA) have certified the New Clark City (NCC) Athletics Stadium and Aquatic Center in Capas, Tarlac as “Class 1” facilities for the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games from November 30 to December 11 this year.
The certification of the NCC sports facilities was announced on Wednesday in a press conference attended by House of Representatives Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano; Senator Bong Go; Bases Conversion Development Authority CEO and president Vince Dizon; Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino; and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioners Ramon Fernandez and Arnold Agustin.
"It was just a dream before. But because of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte, natupad po ang dating pangarap lamang," Dizon said.
The world-class sports facilities, where athletics and aquatics in the SEA Games will be held, were constructed in 18 months.
With the construction of the Class 1 venues, Go said the Philippines is ready to produce more world-class talents who can follow the footsteps of world champions Carlos Yulo of gymnastics, Nesthy Petecio of boxing, and Olympic qualifier EJ Obiena of athletics.
"Magiging masaya po ang ating Pangulo sa pagkakagawa ng nasabing sports facilities dito po sa Pampanga,” he said.
The senator, along with the other guests, also witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Philippine National High School for Sports that is expected to be completed by 2021.
The school will be open to students who aspire to develop their skills as athletes.