Cebu’s Ironman

CEBU hosted for the first time Sunday the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines with some 1,700 athletes from 31 countries all over the world.

Eddie O. Barrita

Small bites

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The foreign athletes participating in the event now know how thousands of Cebuanos, mostly children, welcomed them.

They’re still welcome in the next staging of the international event.

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People with planes to catch didn’t bother to see the significance of this international sports event staged primarily by the Lapu-Lapu City Government through Mayor Paz Radaza.

But we didn’t hear a howl of protest.

It’s probably because we Cebuanos can play host to international sports events.

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We have limited space.

We have to close some roads, not because of the frivolities of some causes, but because we are host to an international event.

This is something we can do during weekends.

We might not have the resources of others, but we definitely have the ability to enjoy some international events happening in our own backyard.

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Participants in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines last Sunday only had praises for the participants and the thousands of well-wishers along the race routes.

Some participants said the peoples’ welcome seemed like the audience in the celebrated “Tour de France.”

Organizers of the Ironman should better look for a Tour de Cebu.

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Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama suggested that organizers should inform local government units at least six month ahead of big sports event so they can do their share, like paving their roads in the case of the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines.

Some participants have complained that some roads were “bad” and could pose danger to participants in the bike race.

Let’s just hope Rama will be supported by the City Council, otherwise, Cebu City will have more complaints than accolades in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines.