THIS once somnolent yet historic Capas has given the public another reason to visit the town with the construction of a world-class Aquatics Center and the Athletics Stadium at the New Clark City that shall be the venues for some sports events during the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
The country is the host of the SEA Games that shall be held from November 30 up to December 11 of this year. In a couple of months, different sports activities shall be held in our country participated by athletes from various countries in the South East Asia. This is a major event that shall be hosted by our country.
The Aquatic Center has its unique design which depicts Filipino’s coastal heritage which showcases Capiz shells that are used as windows. Its structural framing meanwhile resembles the weaving patterns of the “baklad” or woven fish nets used by local fishermen.
The center which is the venue for swimming events, boasts of competition-sized swimming pool that meets the standards of international sports governing bodies. It has around 2,000 seating capacity that can accommodate swimming events enthusiasts.
Since August 31, a swimming competition is being held at the Aquatics Center organized by the Philippine Swimming, Inc. The “1st Philippine National Open Swimming Competition” is some sort of a dry run activity cum competition by some renowned country’s swimmers before the SEA Games swimmers would compete.
Meanwhile, the final leg of the 2019 Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) Weekly Relay Series was held at the 20,000-seater Athletics Stadium. Runners have tested the tracks which are of international sports standards. The stadium which was designed similar to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo, has a 400-meter, nine-lane standard track. Both sports facilities portray Filipino culture and resiliency.
Also at the New Clark City sports complex has more than 500 rooms, gym amenities, kitchen and dining venues, conference and press rooms and recreational facilities. During the SEA Games, it shall house sports officials, athletes, volunteers and some media personalities.
The modern sports facilities at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac are a great favor to the town in terms of tourism and revenue generation. Further, Capas has been put further into the limelight because of the SEA Games. Mayor Rey “ReyCat” Catacutan is quite happy for the games being the host area for swimming and athletics competitions.
The said facilities which cost the government some huge amount of funds to construct however have the risk of being neglected after the SEA Games. We might be afraid that in just a few weeks or months, the facilities would suffer degradation and damage. The government should have set aside some funds for its continuous maintenance and up keeping.
In addition, the activities at the two structures should continue even after the end of the SEA Games in order to somehow maintain their use, function and beauty. To help local athletes improve in their training, the facilities should be open and accessible to them.
If I am ReyCat, I would allot some local funds for the maintenance of the two sports facilities since these are now among the jewels of Capas. To make the facilities generate income, concerts, sports activities and other events may be held after the SEA Games.
***
My cousin Arch. Alex C. Tumang has celebrated his 60th birthday last September 2, 2019 with lots people in politics, in the construction industry, numerous relatives, friends and acquaintances in attendance. Welcome to the world of the senior citizens Architect. Happy, happy birthday.
***
For any comments, ideas, suggestions or opinions, text or call The Advocate at 0921-3636360 or send email at dencious@gmail.com