THE local government unit (LGU) of Davao City said they will provide support for the families of the two victims who figured in separate accidents during the Ironman 70.3 Davao triathlon race last March 26.
Mikey Apotadera, head of Davao City Sports Development Division, said the city government is extending burial assistance to the bereaved family of athlete Jerry Kasim who suffered a cardiac arrest during the swimming course of the race.
The city mayor’s office will also provide assistance to the family of an 18-year-old male who suffered serious injuries when he crashed into an athlete during the bike course of the race in Panabo City.
Kasim, the 49-year-old veteran swimming coach who died during the swimming course, was immediately rescued and brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center but did not survive.
On the other hand, the 18-year-old male is still admitted to a hospital in Panabo City and is currently under observation after undergoing an operation.
Apotadera said on Monday, March 27, that they will investigate to determine the real cause of the accidents but he assured that the organizers and the safety and medical cluster delivered the necessary measures to ensure everyone’s safety.
He said a Multi-Agency Coordinating Center was installed during the race, which includes air, water, medical, and security assets to immediately attend to athletes in case they needed help.
“The races before in different countries around the world, (including) IRONMAN, there are some fatalities and some injuries... Nobody wanted it to happen. Amoa lang (For us), we will look into the matter,” Aportadera told members of the media.
He added that tragic accidents cannot be totally avoided, especially during extreme sporting events.
Meanwhile, Davao City Police Office spokesperson PMaj. Catherine Dela Rey clarified that the bike course accident in Panabo City was not under their jurisdiction but of the Panabo City and Davao del Norte police.
“Paspas gyod kaayo ilang dagan (The athletes were biking very fast). Expected nila wala’y mutabok during the race... Kay kana man pud ang briefing sa ilaha, nga naay mga security personnel na mupugong sa mga mutabok (They expected that noobody would be on the bike course because security personnels would ensure nobody would cross the road),” Dela Rey said. ICM