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Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Incoming Cebu City sports chief Lhuillier willing to work with Guardo
As the new chairman of the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC), Michel Lhuillier said he will exhaust all means to further boost sports in the city.
Lhuillier, who owns of a chain of pawnshops that has been known for its involvement in basketball competitions, said he is aware of the heavy responsibilities that go along his new job and that he is ready to face all the trials he may encounter.
As if to prove his commitment, Lhuillier said he is willing to work with the commission’s former chairman, Jonathan Guardo, who earlier criticized the incoming chief for his lack of hands-on involvement in sports programs.
Controversial
“If it’s for the good of Cebu sports, why not,” Lhuillier said. “I have worked with Guardo for several years in the Cebu Basketball League. I think there’s no problem with that.”
Guardo’s departure from the CCSC has been shrouded with controversies after the former chief alleged that politics was the reason why Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña wanted to kick him out.
Guardo also said that Councilor Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba, who is the coach of Lhuillier’s ML Kwarta Padala basketball team, had been eyeing his spot “since he assumed office as city councilor.” Guardo earlier expressed concern that it will be Alcoseba who will run the commission with Lhuillier acting only as “titular head.”
“You can expect 90 percent basketball games in the commission (once that happens),” said Guardo in an earlier interview.
Alcoseba was named CCSC vice chairman by Osmeña.
Passion
Lhuillier, however, belied Guardo’s apprehension saying he will take care of Cebu City sports the way he takes care of his business.
“For the love of sports and for the love of Cebuanos, I accepted the position with all of my heart,” said Lhuillier, who is also the vice president for the Visayas of the Basketball Association of the Philippines. “Everything I do, I do it with passion just like my business.”
The only snag Lhuillier foresees is that he still doesn’t know what to do with the sports development program. He said he has yet to study all the projects, including those during Guardo’s term.
“We still have to look for the sports program of last year and we will study everything,” Lhuillier said, adding that he will not hesitate to bring in big sporting events to Cebu if given the opportunity: “If we can have bigger events, why not. Di man ta mahadlok ba (we are not afraid).” (JSV)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (January 11, 2006 issue)
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