Monday, November 03, 2008 GCSOC to send team to Arafura Games 2009
THE brains behind the Greater Cebu Sports Organizing Committee (GCSOC), Jonathan Guardo, is bent on fielding another team to the 2009 Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia and is willing to fight the trouble caused by its former executive director that now embattle the group.
Former GCSOC executive director Allan Torrevillas put GCSOC in a bad light after the team’s stint in the International Children’s Games in the US when he and a family member, whom he put as part of the officials, did not return home together with the rest of the delegation.
This tainted GCSOC and even caused fear among the coaches and athletes that it might affect their records should they apply for visas for out of the country competitions.
However, Guardo defended Torrevillas, saying the latter is only on extended leave.
“He is just on leave from the GCSOC. He always goes on extended trip,” said Guardo. In the 2007 Arafura, Torrevillas and his wife also caused a stir when they also extended their trip to Australia only to prove their critics wrong when they came home.
Torrevillas could no longer be contacted for comment.
Endorsement
Because of Torrevillas’ action, an official of the Philippine Sports Commission, who requested anonymity, is expressing his concern. The PSC is one of the bodies that will endorse a group to the Arafura Games.
“This is my commitment to our young athletes. We had a very productive stint last time and hopefully this will continue,” said Guardo.
Last year, the GCSOC athletes were responsible for the Philippines’ best finish in the Arafura Games as they came up with 23 medals compared to 2005, when they only had 15.
The biggest contributor last year were the tennis team of double gold medals winners Kristel Mae Buenacosa and Macy Solon, Christian Tiongko, Janji Soquiño, Jordan Cimafranca and playing coach Adonis Lominoque.
Guardo also took a shot at the city government for its failure to send these young athletes to international events.
Initiative
“GCSOC is the only one doing this effort in the absence of the city government’s initiative,” Guardo added.
Last year, upon the challenge of Guardo, Cebu City Councilor Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba also announced that Cebu City will send a team to the Arafura Games. However that didn’t happen.
For next year’s Arafura, slated in May, Guardo is bent on sending teams in boxing, swimming and sepak takraw.
“I prefer popular sports that excite the Filipino community in Darwin because we get an overwhelming support from our countrymen when we compete there,” said Guardo. (MCB)
