SM eyes more sports facilities
Mall giant SM is open to build more sports facilities in partnership with various national sports associations (NSA).
SM assistant vice president Joseph Silva yesterday said they are looking to collaborate with various sports federations in constructing more sports facilities that would serve as training ground of the national athletes heading for major international tournaments.
Silva, also the business unit head of SM Lifestyle, led the unveiling of the first Game Park at the SM Southmall in Las Piñas City.
“We’re not just for profitability. We also give importance to athletes and sports development,” Silva said in a press briefing.
“We have done that already and we’re doing it. They (NSA) just have to give us a call and they can reserve the facility based on their needs. We will be open for that and, of course, to support our NSA.”
Game Park features facilities that could be used by members of the national team like bowling alley, billiards hall, and archery range in collaboration with the PANA Archery. It would also have an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) gym in January as well as a table tennis room in partnership with the Philippine Table Tennis Federaton Inc. (PTTFI).
Silva said they are eyeing another branch at the Mall of Asia Arena (MOA), which would have additional sports facilities like an open court for street basketball.
“Eventually, we will evolve and possibly watch out for a market so we’re exploring the likes of street basketball. Right now, we already have a UFC gym and other possible sports. So definitely, we’re open to explore more,” Silva said.
“We’re looking to open in MOA so expect that soon. I don’t want to preempt anything too much, but we’re eyeing Mall of Asia.”
PTTFI chief Ting Ledesma said the facilities would not only be convenient to the athletes, but would also give the sport the exposure it needs.
“We can see that SM has included table tennis. It’s good that people should learn how to play table tennis,” Ledesma said.
National bowling assistant coach Reynaldo Reyes said the venue could also serve as their potential training facility for the upcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi.
“If like in the Game Park where other sports are available to the public, if we would train in this kind of setup, we could request the bowling alley itself,” Reyes said.