Ramos: Cebu Sports Festival delivers its promise

Thursday, July 14, 2011

April Ramos

IT COULDN’T get hotter than this! Summer sizzled in the ultimate gathering of sports ever assembled—the Cebu Sports Festival 2011.

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Better known as Cebu Fest, the hippest sports gig in the country brought together athletes and fans of 24 events! You read right, 24! Aside from that, there were several social happenings under a canopy of sea and sky that lured a crowd like no other!

It seemed the land, sea and sky burst with activity in the week-long event. The roster of sports events kept getting bigger and better with additions including skydiving competition, Cebu flag football challenge, softball and baseball, rugby, ultimate frisbee, football, boxing, mixed- martial arts, SRP sundown run, duathlon, airsoft competition, the 2nd Cebu Disaster Rescue Off Road Challenge, chess, dancesport, taekwondo, volleyball, rock climbing, and Zumba fitness.

Andy Son, a sports enthusiast and father of two boys, appreciated the show of sports in one venue.

“I can see all the other sports that are just as good for my boys. It’s a showcase of simultaneous activities and the excitement is electric,” he said.

Likewise, Maya Sarmiento, a running enthusiast and call center agent, watched the skydivers while waiting for the gun start of the SRP Sundown Run.

“It was such a cool sight to see. Ttruly refreshing!” Both athletes and spectators came and experienced exceedingly more than expected!

Water sports were introduced like wakeboarding, kite surfing, windsurfing, kayak racing and stand up paddle were introduced this year. Kite surfing alone attracted Europeans to the scene and wakeboarding brought in enthusiasts from northern Philippines. This jolted Cebuanos to the realization that the possibilities for water sports in Cebu’s own beaches are limitless.

Angie Godinez, a Cebuana who enjoyed the festivities said, “I was amazed at the many water sports available, and all these are very apt on this island paradise of Cebu! Local and foreign tourists come to Cebu to enjoy our resorts and beaches while we live here all year round, what a privilege!”

Social events such as variety shows and concerts, food bazaars and a carnival were also among the activities. So every member in the family was entertained, particularly by the fantastic fireworks displays by Pyroworks International.

Now on its 2nd year, Cebu Fest held true to its claim as being the next big thing in Cebu after Sinulog, gathering sports enthusiasts from across the country and from around the world.

Cebu City Sports Commissioner and Cebu Fest Chairman Brian Lim said, “I envision Cebu Fest to be a spectacular gathering for sports.

Next year will be even better. We will not be limited to only one venue, but we will package the entire island of Cebu, with pockets of sporting events in a week-long sports extravaganza.”

“Cebu has everything to offer,” Lim added.

continues. “From the air, from the sea, at the beaches, in hills and valleys, within the city – it will be all here.”

Whether you’re a competitor, an avid fan or a spectator, there’s something for everyone. This will clearly be Cebu’s ticket to a slice of the pie of Sports Tourism. Watch out for CEBU FEST 2012 on May next year!