Cebu to do share for overall bid

Cebu City Sports Council chairman Jonathan Guardo yesterday expressed confidence that the Philippines will end up as the overall champion in the forthcoming 23rd Southeast Asian Games.

"I’m willing to place a bet," said the youthful sports official who has left no stone unturned in making sure that the city of Cebu, along with Mandaue and Danao, will deliver the goods.

"Overall champion tayo diyan," he said, adding that Cebu can win at least 20 gold medals as the Philippines eyes the overall title in the biennial event it is hosting only for the third time.

A total of 63 gold medals or 14 percent of the 441 at stake during the Games will be contested in Cebu. They will come from karate, judo, pencak silat, sepak takraw, mountain bike and dancesport.

"I’m very confident. This is the time. I can feel it through the athletes that our country will win the overall title," said Guardo during a short meeting with Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez.

Guardo was accompanied by Cebu City Sports Council secretary-general Allan Torrevillas, Pancho Ramirez Jr. who heads the accommodation committee, and his brother Gerry.

Guardo said President Arroyo has confirmed her attendance in the opening ceremonies scheduled on Nov. 25 at the Cebu City Sports Complex. He said they expect a crowd of 20,000 to witness the event.

"We are all very upbeat and positive that Cebu will be able to contribute to the country’s bid for the overall championship," added Guardo, a sportsman himself.

On basketball, Guardo said the people of Cebu are disappointed that the country’s No. 1 sport will not be played in the SEA Games.

"Of course, galit sila. Galit sila sa situation and not at anybody else," he explained.

Torrevillas said everything is in place in the three Cebuano cities, including the security preparations for the hundreds of athletes and officials from 11 countries.

"We do not see any threat. But security will still be in place. We’re not paranoid but it’s better being prepared. You cannot get complacent," said Torrevillas.