CLARK FREEPORT — Sports enthusiasts and tourists in the country will soon have a greater experience here as the Clark Parade Grounds will be developed into a world class multi- sports area.
This was announced during a speech delivered by Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Vivencio Dizon at the opening ceremony of the Pinas Cup 2018 here.
“For next year, you’re going to find something very different when you play here because for next year, all of this will be transformed into a world-class football pitch starting next year for all of you. So, para narin kayong naglalro sa Europe at sa iba pang bansa kapag naglaro kayo dito next year,” Dizon said to the participants.
PINAS CUP 2018 IN CLARK. Football players from different areas of the country converge as they enjoy the games at the Pinas Cup 2018 in Clark. (CDC-CD Photo)
Dizon also mentioned that this Freeport serves as a major area for various events on Sports Tourism and Eco Tourism in the country as he also cited the support of the government for different sports activity like the Pinas Cup.
“Kung pupunta kayo dito sa weekend, mapapansin nyo laging mgay mga events for Sports Tourism and Eco Tourism. All these events are happening in Clark on a regular basis and this is the third year already of Pinas Cup and it will just get bigger and bigger and the government is going to support it all the way. Kagaya nga ng sinabi ko, for next year gaganda na lalo itong napakagandang Parade Grounds na ito dahil i- coconvert na namin ito into a world-class football and multi-sports area katulad ng nakikita natin sa mga ibang bansa,” Dizon said.
Meanwhile, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Noel F. Manankil said that about half of the Parade Grounds will be rehabilitated for its development into a more suitable area for football games.
Manankil also mentioned that aside from football, other sports activity like the World Record attempt of Trinx Bikes for longest line of bicycle parade will also be held here.
“ Aside from other activities here, a recording setting feat will also be hosted here. This is a biking event that hopes to bid in the Guinness World Record and we also have a Sunset Marathon. So, generally ang mga type of activities na madalas ginagawa dito ay biking, marathon and football,” Manankil said.
Accordingly, Manila Soccer Academy (MSA) Director and head organizer of the event, Monty Roxas, has cited the suitability of this Freeport as their major location for the event.
“Ang home turf namin ngayon talagang dito na sa Clark, ang maganda kasi dito, makikita mo na ang lawak ng field ng football area. So dito lang talaga tayo pwedeng makahanap ng ganito kagandang field at ang environment ng Clark ay napakaganda at napaka conducive para sa Pinas Cup kaya talagang dito na kami.Mas maigi kesa pumunta kami kung saan saan kasi kailangan quality ang pitch, quality ang venue, at quality ang mga hotels. ”, Roxas said.