"We want to support WEKAF 100 percent because this is the only Cebuano sport that made it to the international scene and has gained following from 30 countries worldwide, " said Jakosalem in a press conference yesterday at sunburst Restaurant along Archbishop Reyes avenue.
Jakosalem, the city council's committee chairman on games, amusements and professional sports, said he would look for a way to help shoulder the expenses of the Cebuano athletes.
Jakosalem added that most likely the City could send only 20 delegates.
Jakosalem plans to tap the private sector in raising funds for the Cebuano contingent, which already got support from the Fil-Am community in Florida.
"The organizers expects us to come in full force because everybody wants to fight the Filipinos. To them it's a great honor to fight a Filipino," said Doce Pares Grandmaster and WEKAF president emeritus Dionisio Cañete, who arrived recently from the US where he visited the venue situated inside the Disneyland.
"We are expecting 700 to 1,000 athletes in 25 countries. Around 70 80 golds are at stake," added Cañete.
Cañete said Doce Pares Cebu will hold six qualifying tournaments to scout for potential fighters worthy to represent the nation in the biennial meet
Next year's World Arnis Championships will feature for the first time the "long stick" competition. It will exclude though the knife fighting.