The San Juan Knights have a new home, a two-storey, fully-airconditioned gymnasium inaugurated March 9 by San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada.
The government-owned building, just a stone's throw away from the "municipio," also houses an auditorium which is designed for multi-purpose use. It is ideal for social functions, stage plays, school gatherings and sports clinics.
"We built the gym for the youth of San Juan for we believe that sports mold strong and solid characters," Estrada said.
The young mayor also expressed confidence that the sports arena will also draw away the youth from drug abuse.
"The thrill and joy of healthy competition are effective antidote to the threat of drug addiction," he noted.
The basketball court, located on the second floor, is equipped with state-of-the-art scoreboard and can accommodate up to 2,500 spectators.
The Knights, a privately-owned team, pay the municipal government for the use of the facility.
Knights coach Philip Cesar, San Juan's vice mayor, said the gym will directly link the team with the people of San Juan.
"It is definitely a big morale boost for the team," he said. Before the building's completion, the Knights had been "hosting" off-town games at the ULTRA.
"This time we will have a hometown crowd to cheer us," Cesar said.
Estrada said he hopes that the gym will enable San Juan residents to rally behind the Knights.
"San Juan has always been very proud of our basketball team. The gym and Knights will make us feel closer as a community," Estrada said.
Estrada said he and the council members are promoting the gym to be used as a tournament venue and training ground by other sports organizations.