By Nick Giongco
Amid the bevy of hosting fiascos that marred the pre-inaugural playdates of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine Sports Commission is looking to deliver some venue relief in the next few days.
The facade of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum shines bright at night in anticipation of the gymnastics competitions in the upcoming 30th SEA Games. (Carlo Anolin)
Executive Director Guillermo Iroy told the Bulletin that three major venues that will host marquee sports during the Nov. 30-Dec. 11 sportsfest are aching to be tested.
The historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Ninoy Aquino Stadium (NAS) and Philsports Arena in Pasig are already for occupancy.
The Coliseum, built in 1934, will be the home of gymnastics and hopes to showcase world champion Carlos Yulo, while the NAS, put up in the late 1980s, is staging weightlifting and taekwondo. The Philsports Arena will hold volleyball matches.
(Phisgoc release)
Work in the said venues kicked off six months ago and the PSC, which financed the repairs and rehabilitation with assistance from the Philippine Games and Amusements Board, is confident the public will revel at the three venues’ massive makeover.
Even the football field, whose condition was put in question 24 hours before the opening matches, has been spruced up and made ready to conform with strict standards.
Iroy said the premier collegiate leagues—the UAAP and NCAA—have reached out to him, inquiring about its rental during next year’s collegiate basketball season.
Even the Asean Basketball League is excited about the prospects of making one of these venues as its home, bared Iroy.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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