Priorities
When Cebuano skateboarding wiz kid Margielyn Didal won the Asian Games gold in 2018, then Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena promised to build a skate park based on Didal’s specifications. Minnie Osmena, the mayor’s sister, pledged p5 million to kickstart the project. Location and property issues stalled the proposed skate park and administration change in 2019 buried the plan.
At least two attempts were made to revive the project, the latest about several months ago with local skateboarding supporters meeting with Mayor Nestor Archival. Location and funding are still big issues and unless something concrete comes out, this project remains perpetually in the planning stage, and Cebu City based skateboarders continue to risk life and limb doing their thing on the streets. At least the cities of Talisay and Danao already have their own skate parks.
--00--
Cebu City hosted the 64th edition of the Palarong Pambansa in July 2024 and the Cebu City Sports Center oval was rehabilitated at a cost in the vicinity of p50 million. Track records were smashed but it was later discovered that there were discrepancies on the track oval of up to 2 meters.
A few months later, the rubberized track on the oval bubbled and wrinkled with random holes scattered on the surface. CCSC needs funds and who can help them the most but the city government. Day in and day out, the oval is used not only by athletes but also by casual runners and joggers. The state of disrepair is an invitation to injury and the oval is screaming for repair.
--00—
Based on the premise of the sport’s popularity, there has been a proposal, and then later on a withdrawal of the resolution, from some members of the Cebu City Council to build public pickle ball courts in the city. The intention is noble which generally promotes an active lifestyle. The same issue with the proposed skatepark is blocking the way.
Some supporters of the sport say it is inexpensive, and yes, I agree because beginners can have paddles for p100 but it’s on your OOTD that makes things contradictory. Then I hear stories of some iring-iring between players, pickling and balling not with their own spouses.
Until such time that site location for the skatepark and pickle ball courts are settled, maybe the City Council can prioritize the rehab, again, of the CCSC track oval, implementing this time competition-grade materials.
- Latest
