PROJECT 4: CEBU CITY ALLOCATES P4 MILLION TO RETURN TO 4TH IN PALARO
Cebu City to finance unified training for Central Visayas delegates in this year’s Palarong Pambansa in hopes of improving ninth place finish in last year’s event
The Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association hopes to bounce back from its dismal ninth place finish in the Palarong Pambansa and will be conducting a unified training thanks to the Cebu City government.
Cebu City Councilor Joy Augustus Young said in a round table discussion with Cebu’s sports scribes that Cebu City will be allocating P4 million for the athletes’ unified training.
“This will provide the meals of the athletes and coaches. This is for all Region 7 not just for Cebu City division,” said Young. “This is to show that we are united in our goal to get back to No. 4.”
Young was referring to the usual ranking for Region 7 in the Palarong Pambansa, which is at fourth spot. Last year the team absorbed its worst finish at ninth place.
Francis Ramirez, the Cebu City sports coordinator, said that the unified training have started last week with the main training hub at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
He said that around 100 athletes and coaches from Bohol will be coming over at CCSC on Tuesday, while they’re still awaiting for the confirmation from Dumaguete City delegates.
Cebu City has the majority of athletes for Region 7 after winning 114 gold medals in the Cviraa sporting meet last Feb. 24 to March 2. It was followed by Bohol Province with 47 gold medals, Lapu-Lapu City with 35 gold medals and Dumaguete City with 28 gold medals.
Ramirez said that they’re planning to bring the track and field athletes to a high-altitude area in Cebu for their strength and conditioning. Participants in team sports will also have tune-up game against college teams.
“One of the changes this year is that the winning coach (in team sports) can decide if he picks up another player or go with the exactly the same team. This is good for the chemistry of the team,” said Ramirez.
Ramirez said that the training will be ongoing before the Region 7 delegation will leave for Ilocos Sur on April 8 to 10. The 61st Palarong Pambansa is set on April 15 to 21.
Region 7 collected 20 gold medals, 18 silvers and 29 bronzes for ninth place in the 60th Palarong Pambansa in San Jose, Antique last year.
The other athletes for Region 7 this year will come from Cebu Province Mandaue City, Tagbilaran City, Negros Oriental, Danao City, Bayawan City, City of Naga, Talisay City, Bogo City, Toledo City, Carcar City and Tanjay City. /