Sportsman in action Edward Hayco Cebu City Sports Czar

CEBU, Philippines - When he first surfaced in the local sports world a decade ago, his name doesn't ring a bell. Little did everyone know, he quietly work his way to rise into the ranks of a distinguished leader who has immensely contributed to the development of Cebu sports. A simple man of few words, he let his achievements do the talking.

That is the unique trait of Edward Hayco worth emulating for. It's a common knowledge that he is associated with dancesport, which served a his launching pad to prominence. Through the glitz and glamour of the sport, the Cebuanos have constantly reaped honor and glory in various competitions here and abroad. Under the dynamic leadership of Hayco, Cebu has hosted major international events that somehow earned the Queen City of the South a lofty billing as the "Dancesport Capital of the Philippines", if not, in whole of Asia.

Hayco truly deserves a hearty pat on his back. So admirable that he has chosen the road less traveled by promoting the spirit of volunteerism as a vital component for the City’s grassroots sports development. It was a tough journey at first but as time goes by, athletes and coaches have come to appreciate and value such noble endeavor.

Now, hundreds of athletes, coaches and even teachers have offered their services for free just to spread and share their know-how to aspiring dancesport athletes even in far-flung areas. Kids as young as six years old train in their outreach program.

Indeed, Hayco has revolutionized dancesport through his barangay-based initiative that has become the template of other sports programs in the city.

Hayco's most shining moment came when he has shown to the entire nation the wonder of volunteerism when Cebu City established a Guinness record for the "World's Biggest Dance Class" almost three years ago. Hayco and his band of dedicated volunteers both from the public and private sector have gathered 7, 770 participants on June 27, 1999 to carve the historic feat at the Cebu City Sports Center.

He isn't done from there. Just last month, Hayco, now sitting as chairman of the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC), came up with another accomplishment of gigantic proportion by drawing over 3,000 pawnpushers in an attempt to break another Guinness mark for the "World’s Largest Chess Tournament."

Hayco is also actively involved in the Cebu City Sports Institute where they hone the talents of aspiring athletes in different sports disciplines, with fervent hopes of producing athletic greats and Olympians in the future.

Amazing, isn't it? That best describes Hayco—a sportsman not only in words and in deeds, but likewise in action.—(FREEMAN)