City willing to host Asian Beach Games

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Sports Commission has a big dream of making the city as a major sports destination of the world and this could become a reality very soon.

This as the city has been eyed as the main hub for the country’s hosting of the 4th Asian Beach Games in 2013.

CCSC chairman Edward Hayco, is very optimistic and open to the idea of Cebu hosting the multi-sport event since it’s already a great opportunity for the fulfillment of the vision to make Cebu City the sporting capital of Asia and the world.

“We’re very much glad and open to the idea of taking the lead because this could be one of our centerpieces for making the Queen City of the South, emerge to be the sporting destination,” said Hayco.

“If we see an opportunity and springboard to be the fulfillment of our vision, then we will not doubt of grabbing that chance and we’ll not let it go. We (CCSC) and the city government will assess it and we will go for it,” Hayco added.

Hayco expressed that hosting this international event is an added boost to Cebu’s growing sports tourism.

The events in the games include beach and water sports such as beach volleyball, beach football, water polo, marathon swimming, sailing, triathlon and water skiing.

“Beach volley has a high media mileage that could put Cebu to the world. We’ll see if how far it can create the image of Cebu through the tournament. If it can go far after our assessment, then we will go for it,” he said.

Hayco eyes the South Road Properties (SRP) as the venue for the event, which is groomed to be the sports tourism destination after the successful Cebu Fest.

“I believe SRP is a great venue for the event because three years from now, SRP will really boom and will look different three years from now. I’m quite optimistic with that outlook,” said Hayco.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Olympic Council of Asia will be making their rounds to inspect the possible venues next month.

Aside from Cebu, the other provinces that were also considered are Siquijor, Bohol and Negros Oriental.

Also interested to host are Bataan, Zambales, Siargao and Camarines Sur.

POC Chairman Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco said that he plans to make Cebu the main hub with the other provinces as the satellite venues.

“We are glad with the trust given to us for having the capability to host the event but I still need to consult the commissioners regarding this matter,”

Hayco said and will be bringing up the idea of the hosting once the CCSC board meets after the holidays. (FREEMAN)