CEBU, Philippines - The fund-raising “Volleyball Cares for Sir Eugene” activity in memory of the late Cebu volleyball legend Eugene de la Cerna has been reset on Sunday still at 9 am at the USC-Main gym.
Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA) president Glenn Anthony Soco spearheaded the event four days before the death of De la Cerna and since the cremation of the latter will be tomorrow, they decided to move the games on Sunday.
“Since it’s the cremation of Sir Eugene this Saturday, we decided to move the activity on Sunday because the plan was made before Sir Eugene passed away. And on Friday (tonight) we will be offering a mass and eulogy in honor of Sir Eugene,” said Soco.
Initially, Soco said they initiated the tournament as way of giving back and helping their former coach and Cebu Sports Hall of Famer who was then in critical condition but upon learning his death, this tournament will be for the bereaved family of Dela Cerna.
Soco said that the 65-year old Dela Cerna has been their second father since they were under him during their stint being volleyball players.
De la Cerna, who was enshrined to the Cebu Sports Hall of Fame in 2004, has been phenomenal in winning volleyball championships locally and nationally. He was also known for producing top caliber players like the renowned Jao twins Marilou and Marichu (now Ramirez and San Juan ) and Maribel Rosiana, who all became members of the national team.
In 1969, dela Cerna was one of those who initiated the formation of the Cebu Catholic Schools Athletic Association.He has been serving as USC’s head coach for almost four decades since 1970 and retired in 2006 after the USC men’s team bagged the championship crown after ten years of title drought.
Had it not been because of his bout with kidney failure, De la Cerna, a coach, educator and once an athlete, would still have been calling the shots for his team. He even admitted before that he has trouble keeping up with the physical requirements because of his health.
Soco said they decided to create one venue for this cause and at the same time tap their talents through volleyball. This is the fastest and easiest way that they think and will be very beneficial.
CEVA will be tapping its officiating officials for this one-day sporting event which will be open to all interested teams who would like to compete.
This is CEVA’s way of helping volleyball stalwarts like Hall of Famers and other volleyball players who needs help and at the same time would prove that the volleyball community is united to help one another.
This would be a gathering of all former volleyball players and current players who are willing to support the cause. The event also encourages the presence of Dela Cerna’s friends and former workmates and as well as volleyball enthusiasts who are willing to brace the activity.
For more information, one may reach USC coach Roderick Arenasa at 0918-7381765. – Marigold P. Lebumfacil (FREEMAN NEWS)