The Man

CEBU - The announcement that Lance Armstrong is set to stage a comeback in the Tour de France has been welcomed by so many people.

I wrote about Lance in my last column and my compadre Michael Go, who is now shuttling between Singapore and Manila, sent me a text message saying that he is glad Lance is back.

Lance’s triumph over testicular cancer and his seven TdF titles would be very hard to match for the next many generations.

I am not saying that he’ll definitely win an eighth title if he decides to join the world’s biggest bike race again, but I am hoping that he’ll once again lord it over the field as he truly is ‘The Man” as Michael put it.

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Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced a few weeks ago that the city would be very willing to repair the rubberized track at the Cebu City Sports Center once it gets funds from the sale of lots at the South Road Properties.

While I am looking forward to this, I am also hoping that we continue to find other sources of funds for the immediate repair of the track.

One thing that I have long been looking forward to is the opening of a sports venue at the SRP, maybe a football field, but things have to be put on hold for now. As I understand it, nobody would want to spend money to clear an area that might end up the choice of the interested investors.

We’ll have to wait longer for the sports facility at the SRP, but maybe our wait for the repair of the CCSC track can be shortened.

I was told by Philippine Sports Commissioner Richie Garcia a few weeks ago when I met him at the Cebu Country Club that the PSC does not have funds for the repair of the track.

He said that the money must be raised by the local government unit. He however said that the PSC can still help the LGU import the materials needed for the rubberized track tax free.

The repair of the track is estimated to cost P18 million. The proposed P30 to P40 million budget includes work on other areas of the CCSC including improving the flooring of the gym.

The CCSC is the haven for thousands of sports and fitness enthusiasts in Cebu and its repair and maintenance should be given attention.

A faster way to raise funds can be done if we host a national competition like the Palarong Pambansa where there millions of pesos for infrastructure development.

I hope our other leaders would find ways for the CCSC and not wait for the sale of lots at the SRP. This way, whatever funds would be set aside from the sale of SRP lots, can be used to develop another sporting facility in the 300-hectare area.

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MILESTONES: I’d like to wish my good friend Maria Carla Ybañez-Veloso a very happy birthday. Carla is one of my high school classmates, who have been actively helping organize the reunions of our class.

Happy birthday greetings also go to Jeralyn Cañares.

Since I have no column on Monday, I am wishing our editor-in-chief Jerry S. Tundag and advanced happy birthday.

The same goes to Marcie Abesamis, who used to be very active in pushing sports tourism with the Cebu Visitors and Convention Bureau.

More power to all of you! (THE FREEMAN)