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Members of the national team will soon have a more conducive shelter
rather than the seven-decade Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC)
situated on Vito Cruz Street in Malate, Manila.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman
William Ramirez said the building being occupied by the Brent
International School inside the PhilSports Complex in Pasig will be
transformed into a state-of-the-art Athlete’s Village.
“Matagal na naming plano na magkaroon tayo ng
Athlete’s Village dahil gusto naming ibigay ang lahat ng
pangangailangan ng mga atleta. And we believe that it’s the right
time to implement this long overdue plan. This is also a directive
from President Gloria Arroyo,” said Ramirez.
“Bibigyan natin sila ng magandang serbisyo
upang maging maganda rin ang performance nila sa mga international
competition. Ipatutupad ang patakaran sa Athlete’s Village ng
tulad sa isang dormitoryo,” he stressed.
The PSC chief added that renovation would
immediately take place as soon as Brent completed its clearing
operation.
“Sinimulan na ng Brent na alisin ang mga gamit
nila. We are also thankful dahil iiwan nila ang ibang gamit nila na
pwedeng mapakinabangan ng mga atleta natin. Hopefully, by the end of
this month, masimulan na ang construction,” Ramirez added.
Majority of the 800 national athletes are
billeted at the RMSC, which both the PSC and the Philippine Olympic
Committee affirmed as no longer conducive due to the establishments
that surround the complex.
Well-ventilated rooms, upgraded training
facilities, fine dining area and fresh environment are among the
factors, the proposed Athlete’s Village might offer, according to
PSC commissioner Richie Garcia.
“Maganda ang kondisyon sa Brent na perpektong
lugar para sa mga atleta natin. We are hoping that renovations will
be completed as soon as possible. August or September siguro tapos
na lahat,” Garcia said for his part.
-- Emil C. Noguera
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