President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expects the newly-inaugurated PhP1.2-billion Sorsogon Sports Arena (SSA) to contribute to the country’s quest for Olympic glory as it serves as a training camp for Filipino athletes.
“[Maaari] rin itong [gamitin] bilang National Training Camp sa mga atletang Pilipino,” the President said during the inauguration of SSA, highlighting the province’s 130th founding anniversary and the 50th Kasanggayahan Festival celebration.
“Ito po ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang maitaguyod natin ang ating mga kababayan na may angking galing sa larangan ng palakasan. Sa tulong nito, mabibigyan sila ng pagkakataon upang mahasa pa ang kanilang mga talent,” he said.
The President mentioned sprinter Isidro Del Prado of Cagang, Barcelona, Sorsogon, who competed in the 400-meter event in 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
He said Prado, who held the 400- meter record in Philippine athletics, showed courage and determination during the Olympic competition, symbolizing Filipino unity.
“Tulad din ng mga Olympians natin na lumahok nitong 2024 na Paris Olympics, hangarin natin sa pamamagitan ng arena na ito, [na] lalo pang dumami ang mga kababayan natin na magbibigay ng dangal sa ating bansa. Harinawa ay maidagdag pa natin sila sa hanay ng ating Olympian at atletang Pinoy,” the President said.
The President said the arena has multiple functions, noting it could be used for holding summits, concerts and other competitions.
The Sorsogon Sports Arena also symbolizes the province’s progress, he said.
The SSA is a 37,794.01 square meter, four-storey sports facility, patterned after the Colosseum in Rome. The arena is part of the Sorsogon Sports Complex 4 in Barangay Balogo, Sorsogon City.
With an estimated seating capacity of 12,000 people, the SSA can accommodate athletes and other guests in its 139 rooms, including 39 dorm-type rooms with 560 bed capacity.
It has two infirmaries, eight-lane rubberized track and field area and a huge space for other sporting events. | PND
