Newly-refurbished Sports Institute ready for use soon

CEBU, Philippines - After undergoing a painstaking renovation and beautification, the Cebu City Sports Institute is ready for use anytime soon.

Cebu City Sports Commission Chairman Edward Hayco said the multi-purpose gymnasium located in Barangay San Nicolas is near completion and is anytime ready to be used for various sporting events.

“After some renovations, the facility is near 100% ready for use and we are already thinking of doing more than just sporting clinics as we added an area outside the gymnasium that would serve as venue for combat sports,” said Hayco.

The facility will cater to contact sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts, karatedo and taekwondo.

“The institute is strategically located near seven depressed barangays in Cebu City and we want men to participate in our program in which they can pour their skills and warrior mentality inside the ring,” Hayco said. “There will be a combat tournament once a month and we are targeting September or October for our first event.”

Hayco is very enthusiastic about the idea as he will be hitting two birds with one stone - giving the people an entertainment through combat tournaments while scouting for aspiring athletes that can someday represent Cebu in regional tournaments.

“Yes, it's a good way to pick up potential athletes, but that would only be a bonus. Our main goal is to give these people, especially the males, some activity and also entertainment for the rest,” added Hayco.

Before the start of the renovation last year, the Sports Institute has hosted several clinics for basketball and volleyball. This time, gymnastics, sepak takraw and table tennis will be added in the list. More to it, the institute will also house a gym both for fitness and weightlifting. (FREEMAN)