Pasay eyes ‘sports corner’ at Cuneta

Recognizing the achievement of athletes who have become part of the history of Pasay City, local officials are planning to put up a "sports room" where news clippings, photos and memorabilia will be on permanent display.

City administrator Ernestina Carbajal said the sports corner will be placed at a portion of the newly-renovated Cuneta Astrodome.

"Initially, we were thinking of placing the pictures of athletes at the lobby of the Cuneta Astrodome for the guests and the other sports enthusiasts to see. However, we deemed it would be better if a room dedicated to them and their achievements was constructed," Carbajal said.

Apart from honoring athletes, the project also aims to inspire the city residents, especially the youth to work hard so that they can reach their goals.

The city government, led by Mayor Wenceslao "Peewee" Trinidad, an athlete himself who served as team captain of the Philippine swimming team and water polo squad in the 1954 Asian Games (2nd place) and the 1958 Asian Games held in Tokyo, Japan (3rd place), recently paid tribute to the city’s outstanding athletes who have made their mark in their respective disciplines in the history of Philippine sports.

They were honored with medals at the Cuneta Astrodome last May 22.

Unknown to many, Pasay City is home to several top-caliber athletes, Olympians, Asian Games and SEA Games campaigners, as well as national sports record holders.

Carbajal noted that there are around 13 athletes from Pasay City who will be featured in the Astrodome’s "sports room."

Former senator Freddie Webb, who was a former councilor of the city, was among the athletes who were given recognition by the city government. Webb was a member of the Philippine basketball team sent to Barcelona, Spain in 1967; the 1969 Asian Basketball Confederation in Japan; the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand; and the Munich Olympics. — Rhodina Villanueva