Availability of CCSC oval track for City Olympics uncertain

Local

AS the Cebu City Olympics draws near, the availability of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) oval track remains uncertain.

The multi-sporting event is scheduled from December 13 to 18 but Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia announced during a press conference at City Hall on Monday, December 9, that the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) will decide whether the event can proceed at the venue.

"Ang mo-accept man gud ana for its completion is the DEPW. So, I will actually wait for its report if mahuman nana. Mahuman na ang curing and then tanan sa terms of preference ilaha na nabuhat," Garcia said.

"In that regard, dili ko makaingon pa nga it is already complete," he added, emphasizing that he is still awaiting a full update from DEPW regarding the oval track's rehabilitation.

Garcia said he has not set a target date for reopening the oval to the public, following its closure to address its deteriorated condition. He expressed optimism about using the track for the upcoming Cebu City Olympics.

According to a news report, the Cebu City Olympics will feature over 10,000 athletes from elementary and high school divisions, competing in more than 34 sports.

This event serves as a platform for aspiring athletes, with champions advancing to represent the Cebu City Niños in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) meet in Bayawan City in 2025.

The CCSC oval underwent a P52-million renovation project starting in May 2023 to prepare for the Palarong Pambansa in July 2024. However, athletes and organizers raised concerns about the renovation’s quality, citing defects such as visible holes in the rubberized surface and a track length discrepancy of 0.88 meters shorter than the standard 400 meters.

These issues led to the nullification of multiple records during the national event, damaging the oval’s reputation.

Criticism also targeted the contractor, SBD Builders, for substandard work and delays. While the contractor initially planned to begin repairs in September 2024, logistical issues caused repeated postponements.(MyTVCebu)