Asia Masters Athletics

It’s all systems go for the 18th Asian Masters Athletics Championships set September 19 to 23 in Kitakami City, Japan.  This early I’ve started picking the composition of the Cebuano contingent that will be part of Philippine Team that will include Olympians Roy Vence and Elma Muros.  Already confirming their participation are running couple Nemie and Tess Escasinas who accounted for 13 medals in the last NCR National  Masters held in Pasig City last year.  Also joining the team are American steeplechaser Dennis Scott (based in Butuan City),  PAL manager and triathlete Vic Suarez, Tom Bulio, sure gold medalist Rening Ylaya (78 years old) and yours truly.  Doc Abe Manlawe and Raffy Osumo are also expected to beat the deadline.  The Cebuanos will beef up the Nationals who also include Asian and Sea Games veterans, John Lozada, Renato Unso, Rey Antoque, Emerson Obiena, Perla Balauitan, Manuel Oyao and Linda Lavandia.  Unlike in Cebu and Manila, the Asia Masters will include steeplechase, high jump, triple jump, long jump, hurdles and pole vault events.  In the Manila and Cebu Masters trackfest, we did not include these field events as we find it “Delicado for seniors basin mabali ang likod ug tuhod.”  But do you know there is still a 100 year-old athlete from India who still participates in the World Masters?  Oh, speaking of World Masters we are excited as the venue next year will be in France.  Guess who will be competing, Haile Gerbselasie, Linford Christie, Marlene Ottey, Frank Shorter, Gail Devers and Bill Rodgers.

Crucified

Disgraced Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson on the 26th anniversary of “winning” a gold medal in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, before testing positive for steroids. “ I was nailed on a cross, and 26 years kater, I’m still being punished.  Rapist and murderers get sent to prison but even they get out eventually.”  Talking of cheats, cycling champion Lance Armstrong and U.S sprinter Marion Jones are also in the company of Johnson.

Mayor Maloney Wants Rudy

Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco asked me to bring my ward one-legged triathlete Rudy Fernandez to join the Maasin City Triathlon which will be held during their Fiesta in August.  Well, August is really a busy month for me.  We  might do an event during the Cebu Province anniversary.  It’s also the death anniversary of Elvis and I might just join the Elvis Night at RJ Bistro in Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.  And hopefully, we get to perform in Maasin City also during their fiesta.

Registration Starts

Registration to the Run for the Riverson June 22, a fund-raising race  to help rehabilitate our rivers will start on April 21 at the following outlets, Runnr Ayala, Cebu City Sports Center (Athletics office) SM City and Casa Ilongga at Robinsons Place Cebu.  Registration to the Coast to Coast 65K Ultramarathon is also in full swing.  To register make deposit of Php 1,250 to Constante C. Mendoza Jr.  BPI S/A  2379036239.  Email scanned deposit to [email protected] and also include your shirt size.