UC unveils Gymnastics Training Center

CEBU, Philippines —  The University of Cebu (UC) Gymnastics Training Center located at the 7th floor of the school’s Junior High School building on Sanciangko Street in Cebu City was formally inaugurated and blessed last Thursday, July 10.

 The special ceremony was graced by UC Executive Vice Chancellor Atty. Manuel Elijah Sarausad, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Yolanda Sayson, Athletic Director Jessica Jawad-Honoridez, and head coach Darlene Castañeda-De la Pisa.

Also present were Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) Chairman Dr. Rhoel Dejano and Cebu City Sports Center General Manager Brando Velasquez.

“We always look at how UC can help the city, the region, and the country as a whole in the field of sports,” said Honoridez.

Interestingly, the momentous occasion coincides with the 49th birthday of Castañeda-De la Pisa, who heads UC’s  development program for gymnastics together with her brother Miles since 2019.

“Mura’g di ko katuo og tinuod na ba ni, mao na ba gyud ni? Mao bitaw nga pag-blessing ganina, nakahilak gyud ko,” said Castañeda-De la Pisa, a decorated athlete during her prime.

“Wa gyud ko nagdahum ba nga ing-ani ka supportive si Atty. (Augusto) Go. Nagpasalamat sad ko sa iyang pag-umangkon ug mga apo nga mga gymnasts nako way back wa pay pandemic time sa todo nilang suporta nako,” she added.

The center isn’t just for UC athletes. It’s also open to promising gymnasts from public schools, many of whom coach Darlene has trained for free.

With a permanent training space and proper equipment worth over P2 million, coach Darlene firmly believes that the best is yet to come now that her vision is finally taking shape.

“We’ve already won medals before nga wa pay mats ug mga equipment, samot na ni ron,” coach Darlene ended.