USC reaps fruits of SEAG hosting

Cebu and the University of San Carlos' mission in sepak takraw doesn't stop after their successful hosting of the sport in the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games as bigger responsibility is left for them to be fulfilled.

As the biennial meet came to a close, the Asian Sepak Takraw Association through its president Abdul Halim Bin Kader of Singapore and the Philippine Amateur Sepak Takraw Association (PASTA) donated P1 million worth of equipment to be shared by USC and the newly-formed Cebu Sepak Takraw Association (CESTA).

What was handed over yesterday, however, is just part of the equipment Kader promised to donate to Cebu. That include a hoop for the hoop takraw, 20 takraw balls each for USC and CESTA, and a CD and handbook of the international sepak takraw rules and regulations.

Also set to be handed over is the pole and court and taraflex training mats after the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be duly signed by PASTA and CESTA.

USC has been identified as the training center for sepak takraw in the Visayas, while CESTA president Jonathan Guardo is tasked to oversee its programs and developments.

Ernest Evangelista has been named as vice president of CESTA, Allan Torrevillas as secretary-general, and Pancho Ramirez as committee chairman on development.

CESTA has already drafted its by-laws and looks forward to its recognition from PASTA and registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

PASTA, through Ret. Col. Romarico Calderon has promised to help the local group.

Aside from that, Bin Kader disclosed that he will be tapping two Cebuanos as part of the protocol or operations committee during the Doha Asian Games next year.

Two international Filipino referees, Hector Sentillas and Manuel Eslao, will also be topped to officiate in the Asian Games and PASTA Secretary-general Calderon as technical official.

Aside from the turnover, Kader also took time out in commending once gain all the CebuSoc officials and the volunteers for their commitment in their respective tasks.

All in all, the SEA Games sepak takraw action ran smoothly, the international rules and regulations were followed to the letter, medals were won fairly and squarely and some lessons were learned as they prepare for future tournaments.- with Sona Mae Povadora