CLARK FREEPORT – The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) expressed excitement and elation after this Freeport was selected as the host for the upcoming FIBA Asian Cup qualifiers on June 16 to 20, 2021.
According to the state-owned corporation led by its President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan, the staging of the international competition here will strengthen Clark’s position as a preferred Sports Tourism destination not only in the country but also across the Asia Pacific Region.
This Freeport boasts an impressive experience as the host of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) bubble competition last year, and it hopes to extend the same experience to the delegates of the FIBA Asian Cup.
Organized by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the FIBA Asian Cup will use a sports quarantine bubble approach approved by the Inter Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). SBP was given a green light by IATF last May 6 under IATF Resolution No.114.
Various teams from nine countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Guam will join in the said competition. Participating teams from other countries are expected to arrive here on June 13.
Strict health and safety protocols will also be put in place throughout the hosting of the games. CDC has coordinated with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Metro Clark Local Government Units (LGUs), SBP, Philippine National Police, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD-R3), and venue representatives to ensure the safety and security of all participants and stakeholders.
The players, FIBA, and SBP officials will be accommodated at Quest Hotel- Clark, while media personnel, utility partners and ancillary staff will stay at Lohas Hotel. CDC guest houses will likewise be utilized by other local staff.
The Angeles University Foundation – Sports and Cultural Center (AUF-SCC) was also identified as a venue for games and practice sessions for the international competition.
CDC – Tourism Promotions Division (TPD) said that meetings and ocular inspections with different committees will be held in the coming days to finalize plans.
Due to its state-of-the-art facilities and suitability for various sports activities, Clark was also chosen by different sports organizations as their venue for bubble training, events, and scrimmages. Some of these include the bubble practice session of NLEX Road Warriors, Philippine National Volleyball Federation for the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship (bubble setup), 2021 Swimming National Selection Meet (bubble setup), and National Trials for Road Events to select Philippines’ representatives to the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi among others.
Clark Freeport Zone was recognized by the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA) as the Sport Tourism Destination of the Year for 2015, 2018, and 2019.