Extra protection for rubber track

CEBU, Philippines - To protect the P26.9-million rubberized track of the Cebu City Sports Center during the Sinulog grand parade on January 20 the CCSC management will cover it with plywood and an additional layer of detachable rubber.

Parade participants will give their final performance at the sports center, which will also house thousands of  spectators.

The rehabilitation of the sports center oval track was completed last year after many years since it was built. Rehabilitation also included widening the gate and paving areas, among others.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. executive director Ricky Ballesteros said the needs of the annual Sinulog festival were among the factors considered in the rehabilitation. The gate and paved areas, for instance, had to be widened to give more room to Sinulog contingents and their props, as well as floats.

Because weight on the oval must be minimized as much as possible in order for the rubber track not to be damaged, Ballesteros said performers will be directed to remove their props immediately after their performance and station themselves in designated areas.

The permanent fence around the oval will also ensure that unauthorized persons cannot enter the oval during the event.

The rehabilitation of the CCSC track oval has cost the Cebu City Government over P40 million.

The brand new eight-lane track with a 2D section was completed in April last year. It is made of imported Rekortan M99 Full-Polyurethane Synthetic Track Surface. The oval is under a five-year warranty with Sierra Universal Corp., the contractor of the project.

To maintain the oval, players and joggers must wear appropriate sports shoes when using the rubber track. Vehicles should not be driven over the surface and the surface must be kept clean of litter, grass cuttings, leaves and sand.  (FREEMAN)