RP athletes quarters to rise soon in Brent

The massive plan to keep the national athletes, or at least most of them, under one roof may soon come to reality.

The Philippine Sports Commission said construction of a dormitory that could house hundreds of athletes may begin in September or a few months after the Brent International School moves out of its Pasig home.

Brent Pasig sits on a vast government-owned and PSC-controlled property just beside the Philsports Complex in Pasig. The school has been renting space from the government since 1984.

Chairman Butch Ramirez said once Brent vacates the premises, the plan to build or transform the school into an athletes’ dorm will begin. Funding will come from the National Sports Development Fund.

The PSC had long wanted Brent to move out. But only in the school’s bulletin board posted on its website was it clearly stated that the school will soon cease to operate in Pasig in July.

Dick Robbins, the headmaster, has already made an announcement that this schoolyear (2007-2008) will be the last year of operation for Brent Pasig.

If and when completed, the Pasig dorm will house the hundreds of Filipino athletes now staying at the Ultra, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex while the others will remain in Baguio City where they train.      – Abac Cordero