Cebu to host four-day national archery tourney

CEBU, Philippines - The Queen City of the South plays host to the first Philippine rankings of the year and Olympic trials via the 2016 Philippine National Outdoor Archery Tournament, which will formally open this afternoon at the San Pedro Calungsod templete in South Road Properties.

Aside from the national team members, over a hundred archers aspiring to be part of the PHL squad will see action in the four-day joust.

What makes the battle even more exciting is that organizers are including a category for the PVC pipe-made bows, which are designed and made by the decorated Cebuano archer Rosendo 'Dondon' Sombrio. An architect by profession, Sombrio is also the secretary general of World Archery-Philippines.

Sombrio conceptualized the PVC pipes as an archery equipment for Cebu City's grassroots program in archery since the bow and arrow  are very expensive. These kind of pipes were also used during Cebu's Guinness world record attempt in archery.

The event will also serve as a tuneup for all Palarong Pambansa-bound players.

Meanwhile, a simple opening ceremony will take place today to be graced by Mayor Mike Rama, World Archery-Philippines President Clint Aranas and CCSC chairman Edward Hayco.

The participants will have their practice session at the venue right after the kick-off program.

Competition proper will start tomorrow yet and will run until February 28. — (FREEMAN)