New CCSC chairman Chao Sy vows equal support for athletes

CEBU, Philippines — When he formally assumes his post as the new Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) chairman next week, highly esteemed sportsman Lorenzo “Chao” Sy said his flagship will be the “Sports for All” program.

Sy, a longtime fixture in Cebu basketball and an avid boxing patron during his teenage days until today, assured all the Cebu City athletes that under his watch, they will be given equal opportunity and importance in whatever kind of assistance they need.

“I had a meeting with mayor Ed (Labella) the other day and his marching order to me (as CCSC chair) is to give my very best for the betterment of the Cebu City athletes,” Chao Sy said. “He also instructed me to make a comprehensive grassroots development program available for all barangays.”

“That is why foremost of my agenda is “Sports for All”. I will make sure that all athletes are given support evenly, most especially to those who are in sporting events where we have a bright chance of winning medals in the Olympics one day down the road,” he added.

To ensure the smooth implementation of his future projects, Chao Sy said he will be working closely with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and all the stakeholders involved, both from the public and private sectors.

With that in mind, Chao Sy plans to meet with councilors Dondon Hontiveros and Tony Cuenco, the city council’s committee chairman on sports and education, respectively, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) President Jessica Resch, and the top officials of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Cebu City division next week to discuss their respective concerns and determine the direction they want to chart for Cebu City sports.

“It is better that they will know what my plans are because without their support, I couldn’t go any further to whatever initiative I am going to undertake. We must work as one to move forward and get things done,” said Chao Sy.

PSC commissioner Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez, for his part, expressed full support to Chao Sy, who also serves as PSC Visayas coordinator and Alliance of Boxing Associations in the Philippines (ABAP) Central Visayas director.

“We have initially discussed how we can work together, streamline and sync our programs to obtain maximum results,” said Fernandez, a living legend in Philippine cagedom.

Chao Sy will replace Edward Hayco at the helm of the City’s sports commission. He already have commissioners in tow namely Jessica Jawad-Honoridez, currently the athletic director of the University of Cebu (UC), Rhoel Dejaño, an expert in rehabilitation and sports medicine, and Gerald Cañete, the executive vice president of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF).

As for Hayco to stay even in the capacity as one of his commissioners, Chao Sy said he leaves everything at the hands of mayor Labella.

“Actually, I still have one spot left for the commissionership after ALA politely declined my offer,” said Chao Sy referring to Antonio “Bidoy” L. Aldeguer, the acknowledged ‘Godfather of Cebu boxing”. “But it’s up to mayor Labella to name the fourth commissioner so that we can complete the board. I hope it would be soon so that we can have our inaugural board meeting next week.”

Meanwhile, Hayco extended his best wishes to Chao Sy as the city’s new sports czar.

“Heartfelt congatulations to our new chairman,” said Hayco. “Chairman’s Chao passion and love for sports is deeply admirable. He will definitely raise the bar and bring Cebu sports to greater heights.” (FREEMAN)