Floods hit Rizal, cancel games

MANILA, Philippines - Heavy rains caused by southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Maring continued to keep Manila under water, including the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, and forced the cancellation of a number of sports events.

Hardest hit is the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, which hosted some of the games in the recent FIBA-Asia Championship, and the bowling center inside the complex.

“Right now, I really don’t know the actual damage because of the flood at Rizal (complex) but I know that Ninoy (Aquino Stadium), Rizal (Memorial Center), badminton, gymnastics and a few others are under water,” Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia.

The inclement weather also stopped the training of the national athletes, who are billeted around the flooded complex.

 The on-going Shakey’s V-League Open also reset matches pitting FEU vs Army, Navy vs Cagayan and Air Force vs Meralco to a later date.

Sports activities slated for today are also not spared as officials of PNoy Sports and the UAAP decided to call off their respective games, too.

“I know the children are excited about the PNOY Games, but we have to postpone it to another day,” Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chairman Margie Juico said.

Some 400 children aged seven to 12 are expected to take part in PNOY Sports’ for its Fun Run, Luksong Baka, Patintero, Luksong Tinik, Sipa and Dama games at Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle.

The UAAP also cancelled Wednesday’s Season 76 men’s and women’s basketball games at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Interim coach Rey Madrid was supposed to debut for University of the Philippines against University of the East while Season 75 finals protagonists Ateneo and Santo Tomas were to slug it out in the 4 p.m. main match.

La Salle versus UE and Adamson against Ateneo were the featured matches in women’s play in the same venue.

The UAAP said the affected games will be rescheduled to a later date and advised fans to hold on to their tickets.