THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has approved a P15 million budget that will help out in the projects and sports development of the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC).
PSC Commissioner Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez announced it during the PSC’s press conference at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel yesterday.
“The PSC board has approved the P15million assistance for the Cebu City Sports Commission. We believe that this is one of the sport commissions that is mature in terms of conducting sports programs and implimenting them,” said Fernandez.
The PBA legend added that part of the approved assistance will be used to renovate the Cebu City Sports Center and also to create a playing field at the South Road Properties.
“With the suggestion of Mayor Tomas Osmeña, we have planned to put up an open field in the area of SRP so that more people could play football, softball, and baseball,” said Fernandez.
Aside from the assistance, the PSC will have a busy 2018 as they laid down series of sporting events, including the PSC Visayas Open Tournament and Children’s Games.
The PSC Visayas Open Tournament will cover 15 Olympic sport disciplines namely: arnis, karatedo, boxing, taekwondo, judo, marathon, open water swimming, triathlon, archery, shooting, fencing, weightlifting, badminton, table tennis and tennis.
Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) director Nonie Lopez said that they are looking at the 22-under athletes for the sporting conclave.
The first part of the Visayas Open will start with the Sinulog Fun Run on Jan. 7, featuring the 10-kilometer, 5K and 3K distances.
The next events will feature various sporting events on April 8 to 9 in Cebu City, June 2 to 3 in City of Naga, June 9 to 10 in Tagbilaran City, Aug. 11 to 12 in Iloilo City, Aug. 25 to 26 in Danao City, Oct. 27 to 29 in Boracay and Dec. 1 to 2 in Ormoc City.
“Our target is to create a pool of athletes in each discipline to represent us in the 2024 Olympics and 2028 Olympic Games as well. We are looking for athletes that can hopefully represent the country in Olympics,” said Lopez.
“Our athletes in the Visayas will have their hands and feet packed in the upcoming year. We have a full calendar all throughout 2018 and for the next years to come,” said Fernandez.
Meanwhile, the PSC will conduct 49 more Children’s Games in the Visayas area for 2018. So far, the PSC has conducted nine Children’s Games, which all happened in 2017. (RSC)