Moving sports forward

Within four months, facilities at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig underwent a major facelift and the other day, President Marcos and the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos visited the premises to celebrate the “rebirth” as officials, athletes and coaches applauded the major step forward in providing impetus to the national program of sports development.

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio gave all credit to the First Lady, whose late father Manolet was a 1948 London Olympian with the Philippine basketball team, for spearheading the renovation. “It was actually the First Lady’s initiative,” disclosed Gregorio. “She visited PhilSports last June and saw the sad plight of our athletes. The First Lady immediately gave instructions to refurbish the facilities. Tinutukan namin halos araw-araw to get the job done.”

The facelift brought about the emergence of a world-class, multi-purpose gym, a refreshed National Sports Museum and a comfortable dormitory. Still undergoing finishing touches is the PhilSports Arena. “Living dorm conditions for our athletes had been sub-par since time immemorial,” said Gregorio. “When I visited Teachers Camp in Baguio, the athletes’ things were on the floor because there were no cabinets. It took the First Lady to make things happen. The entire renovation was funded by the Office of the President and when the President came for the inauguration, he cited the First Lady for this effort.”

The fully-equipped gym was reloaded to focus on different sports. “It’s for all national athletes and it’s world-class,” noted Gregorio. The 2,100-square-meter museum is on the first floor where the dining hall used to be. “Presently, exhibits are organized by sport featuring boxing, bowling, equestrian, baseball, weightlifting and others and by event, featuring the Philippines’ historical Olympic participations and a cute photo corner mock Olympic podium,” continued Gregorio. “Centerpiece artefacts include Hidilyn Diaz’ Rio 2016 jersey which she wore in winning silver and a special section on Paeng Nepomuceno’s legendary career.”

The 1,470-square-meter re-done dormitory has 22 rooms, 218 beds, including 10 custom-fit for para-athletes, as a first phase. Another dorm turnover will be held next month with 200 more beds. Gregorio said renovations are ongoing at the Rizal Memorial baseball field and tennis courts and the Baguio track oval. “We’re actively working on more projects, including a 32-room PSC hostel for guests, fans, families and others,” said Gregorio.

The wonder of it all was the PhilSports Complex renovation began last July 1, two weeks after the First Lady’s visit and the work was done by Oct. 31. As it’s often said, if there’s a will, there’s a way. Coincidentally, Gregorio began his term as PSC chairman last July 1 and has since made landmark inroads to benefit athletes in pushing the country’s sports program forward.