Mountain bike race inside city jail gets huge support

CEBU, Philippines —   The Lapu-Lapu City government under the able leadership of mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan has thrown is full support to the 1st Warden’s Cup Mountain Bike Mini Trail Challenge spearheaded by the Lapu-Lapu City Jail-Male Dormitory (LCJMD) later this month.

Through the City of Lapu-Lapu Office for Substance Abuse and Prevention (CLOSAP) as part of its anti-drug program, the city will be allocating P20,000 in cash prize for the top performers of the historic event slated on October 25 at the city jail’s compound situated in Sitio Soong, Barangay Mactan.

“When I learned about this one-of-a-kind sporting activity inside a jail facility, I immediately told mayor Ahong (Chan) if we can extend help in any way we can and he readily said yes,” said CLOSAP chairman Garry Lao.

“Such kind of event truly deserves support. Not only that it is historic, it also highly relevant and a meaningful undertaking for our PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) at this time of pandemic. It will surely give them a sense of hope that there is life after prison,” added Lao, who is also co-chairman of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC).

LCJMD assistant jail warden Chief Inspector Bryanroy Mercado, who is organizing the breakthrough bike tilt as part of the National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW) celebration, is beyond grateful for the overwhelming assistance they received from both the government and private sectors.

“Despite our limited resources because of the pandemic, we don’t have any doubts that this event will push through because we have been graced abundantly with generous partners who helped us make this activity possible,” said Mercado. “We are confident to make history and we are very much thankful to the City of Lapu-Lapu and all our sponsors for their big help to us in this pursuit.”

The first ever mountain bike competition within the prison walls in the region and perhaps in the entire country, Mercado said they are looking forward to their forthcoming event with zest and enthusiasm knowing that they can create a ripple of inspiration and make a difference in the lives of the PDLs and their personnel as well.

“Intended for the PDLs and personnel inside the Lapu-Lapu City Jail, this will be the best way to correspond in their yearning for great excitement,” Mercado pointed out. “It aims to promote physical fitness and is also one of the best ways for us to show support in the advocacy of protecting the planet against climate change as we believe that cycling will help build a sustainable future.”

“And lastly, this activity will also bridge the gap of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) towards change as they are in the process of reintegrating their life into the society,” Mercado furthered.

Meanwhile, the unique race features Category 1 (personnel challenge), Category 2 (for PDL) and Category 3 (personnel vs PDL relay, winners vs winners).

Each challenger will be timed while taking two loops in the trail. The challenger with the best/shortest time will be declared the winner.

For the PDL side to be competitive, Mercado said they briefed them on the obstacle courses and tracks of the mini trail. They have also scheduled a regular practice for them.

On top of medals, trophies and certificates, cash prizes and goodies will be handed out to the winners of the different categories. Special awards will also be given away and consolation prizes await all the finishers.

Aside from mountain biking, Mercado said they also have lined up futsal, basketball, volleyball, and badminton games for the PDLs during the week-long celebration.