CAN the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and its subsidiary Clark Development Corp. successfully host the third window of 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers?
BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon is convinced they can hack it just like in last year’s PBA Philippine Cup bubble.
But with 617 local and foreign players, coaches, and tournament staff, including Gilas Pilipinas expected to join the tourney, the BCDA needs to step up the health and safety protocols in Clark’s hosting of the qualifiers in a bubble set from June 16 to 20.
“Hosting the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) bubble in Clark last year gave BCDA and CDC the experience of mounting sporting events in the face of COVID-19. This time, with the arrival of foreign teams for the FIBA Asia Cup, BCDA and CDC will step up to the challenge and leave no stone unturned,” Dizon, also the deputy chief implementer of the country’s pandemic response, said.
“Health and safety measures will be strictly enforced to protect all athletes and staff, and to eliminate the possibility of spreading the virus,” he added.
In coordination with the FIBA, the organizers will implement the Philippine Sports Commission, Games and Amusements Board, and Department of Health’s Joint Administrative Order (JAO) on Physical Activities and Sports During the COVID-19 pandemic.
The movement of players, coaches and staff will be limited within the airport, hotels and the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center where the tournament will be held.
The designated hotels are Quest Hotel & Conference Center in Mimosa and Lohas Hotel in Redwood Villas, both in the Clark Freeport Zone.
