Thursday, April 05, 2007 Cebu’s godfather of athletics inspires Utafa
DRAWING inspiration from Cebu’s father of athletics, Dr. Danilo Villadolid, the newly formed United Track and Field Athletes (Utafa) of Cebu Inc., made it their mission to revive the popularity of track and field among the youngsters.
With this, Utafa, now composed mostly of coaches, professionals and former standouts in the sport, embarks on a track and field clinic on April 11.
“The association draws its inspiration from the father of athletics and we intend to promote track and field in the city and the province of Cebu to encourage fellowship among past and present athletes,” said lawyer Michael Yu, who one of the top honchos of Utafa.
Villadolid has been known far and wide to have lifted athletics in Cebu and most if not all members of Utafa were beneficiaries of athletic scholarship, while under the mentorship of Villadolid.
Apart from the promotion of the sport, the clinic also serves as a fund raiser that aims at providing educational assistance to deserving under privileged athletes.
The clinic for beginners is set to start on April 11 will roll on until the 20th at the SVD Formation Center. It is open to kids 8-16 years old.
The clinic will culminate with a team-based competition on April 20 at the track oval at the Cebu City Sports Center and in October, Utafa will be holding an age-group competition.
The clinic instructors have undergone a trainor’s training with the Philippine Track and Field Association through the guidance of the International Athletics Association Federation. (MCB)
