Baguio to host athletics training bubble

BAGUIO City will host the training bubble of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) starting July in preparation for the 2021 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam from November 21 to December 2.

This was revealed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong during the regular management committee meeting of local officials on May 11 at the Baguio Convention Center.

Sports officials led by Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Ramon Fernandez, Patafa training director Renato Unso and head coach Sean Guevarra joined the meeting.

Unso said the Summer Capital was chosen as a venue for the training bubble because of its accessibility, adequate sports facilities and for having a climate similar to Hanoi in November.

“Baguio’s relatively cool climate will help acclimatize our athletes to the weather in Hanoi, Vietnam when competitions start in November,” he said.

The Philippine delegation will also have its own medical team that will closely coordinate with local health authorities to make sure athletes will be taken care of should any medical emergencies occur.

City sports coordinator Gaudencio Gonzales said around 40 athletes will enter the training bubble together with a still unspecified number of coaches and trainers.

After the meeting, Gonzales toured the visiting sports officials to Teachers Camp and Baguio Athletic Bowl, the main facilities to be used during the four-month training.

The mayor said it is a great honor for Baguio to host the training bubble and offered any other assistance the city government may possibly extend to the athletes.

Fernandez, on behalf of the other sports officials, expressed his gratitude to the city for agreeing to host the training bubble. He also assured they will strictly adhere to all prevailing health protocols and other regulations.