THE construction of the seven-story athletes’ dormitory and training facility inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila started through a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday, a major upgrade of the former boxing and pencak silat training site.
The facility, which will serve more than a hundred athletes, will feature modernized and safe living accommodations, along with an advanced training gym for boxing and pencak silat athletes, made possible by the efforts of Sen. Pia Cayetano.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann underscored the significance of the project, which is in line with the agency’s mandate of providing outstanding service that always prioritizes the welfare of the athletes.
“This dormitory will serve as their second home away from their respective families while chasing to build a legacy for the Philippines,” Bachmann said.
During the groundbreaking rites, Cayetano recalled her past as a national athlete in volleyball which kept her dreaming of making a significant impact for Philippine sports as a lawmaker.
“It takes a village to raise an athlete,” she said, stressing that one objective of the dormitory is to establish harmony among members of the national training pool to build a supportive environment.
Symbolizing the start of the project, Cayetano and Bachmann, together with Commissioners Walter Torres and Olivia “Bong,” Coo, plus other PSC officials; District Engineer Manny Bulusan of the Department of Public Works and Highways, and former Philippine long jump queen Elma Muros-Posadas buried the time capsule which will be opened again years from now signifying the growth made by the project.
Athletes expressed their excitement about the project that will provide them with accommodation while they train at RMSC. Members of the national training pool from baseball, softball, sepak takraw, indoor hockey, and weightlifting also witnessed the groundbreaking rite.
“Excited po kami, sana maging successful po ito. May bagong place po kaming mga atleta,” said Aldrin Colonia, a teenage weightlifter who hails from the bloodline of Olympians such as his uncle Gregorio and cousin Nestor.
