All set for masters

It’s all systems go for the Visayas leg of the 1st Masters Athletics Invitational Championship on Aug 10-11 at the Cebu City Sports Center.  Manny Ibay, president of the NCR National Masters and Seniors Athletics Association of the Philippines (NMSAAP), said teams from Baguio City, Pangasinan, Marikina, Taguig City and Manila have confirmed their participation. Heading the list  of former athletics stars are Olympians Elma Muros and Roy Vence, SEA Games veterans John Lozada, Renato Unso, Erlinda Lavandia, Ernie Candelario, Manny Oyao, Julio Bayaban, Lerma Balauitan, Elenita Punelas, Nenita Adan, Edgardo Pedregoza, Emerson Obiena, Edward Obiena, Romulo Manara, Augustin Jarina and Sonny Ducay. We are also expecting runners from Iloilo, Bacolod, Butuan and Davao.  Itching to face the challenge are Cebuanos Rening Ylaya, Raffy Osumo, Nemie and Tess Escasinas, Fredo Villarta, Al Solomon, Jun Alfaro, Merlita Arias, Ronilda Rodriguez, Honor Corpin, Edward Beronia, Mendrica Bismanos, Ruth Banzon, Relly Mercado, Simplicio Arcelo, Imoy Pelare, Marcos Pelare, Tyrone Tan and Italian Gianluca Guiducille.  We are also trying to get in touch with councilor Jun Gabuya (a sprinter in his heyday), 1977 Milo Marathon national champion Exequil Baisac and Asian  Games javelin thrower Marcela Bangot, now in her 70s.  All eyes however will be on Hungary’s Lehel Racz a former national champion in the discus with a throw of 59.8m in 1957.

OFFICIALS

The trackfest will be officiated by tournament technical director Precing Capangpangan while assisted by consultant Danilo Villadolid.  Also coming from Manila is Asian Games veteran Romy Sotto representing PATAFA. Two sportswriters from Manila Clyde Mariano and Lito Oredo will cover the event. (FREEMAN)