Skate park to rise in Lapu-Lapu City

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City officials are hoping to attract more visitors and to help the youth veer away from illegal drugs with the opening of a world-class skate park in the city.

City Mayor Radaza made the announcement the other day during the groundbreaking ceremony of the skate park designed to accommodate big number of people and follow the world-class standards.

Mayor Radaza said that the putting up of a world- class skate park at the vicinity of the Hoops Dome is one way of recognizing a group named Grupo Nopo who brought honor to the city.

The city mayor said this group of youths in Lapu-Lapu has been bringing pride to the city with their local and international trophies in longboarding.

Longboarding is the act of riding on a longboard skateboard, according to Wikipedia. A longboard is greater in size than its smaller counterpart, the skateboard, and has more stability, traction and durability.

Mayor Radaza said the completion of the skate park in Lapu-Lapu City will also serve as venue for the youth to practice in preparation for local and international competitions.

Radaza hopes that it is also a way of diverting the youth from drugs, which is now one of the major problems in the city's barangays.

Last year, the city government of Lapu-Lapu launched sports tourism as part of their thrust to draw in more tourists. (FREEMAN)