• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental will construct more sports facilities at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, following losing a bid to host the 2024 Palarong Pambansa, which was won by Cebu City.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz yesterday said that an athlete’s village, an Olympic sized swimming pool, and modern basketball and volleyball courts are soon to rise at the Panaad Park.
Diaz said the loss of the hosting rights of the Palarong Pambansa will serve as “an inspiration” for the provincial government, as it lays down its sports program with the upgrading of the sports facilities at the Panaad Park and Sports Stadium.
He added that the sports facility will be used for the provincial and regional sports meets.
The ongoing construction of a swimming pool and covered court “is part of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson’s vision to make Panaad as a primary training area of the athletes of the province,” Diaz said.
After the establishment of an Athletes Village, there will be training of athletes in sports where we feel has good chances in raking in medals in regional, national and even international competitions, he added.
Diaz further said that the provincial government will continue to upgrade the infrastructure at the Panaad, and develop scientific methods of training athletes.
“We will develop a more competitive team for Negros Occidental,” he said adding that the Athletes Villages will be complete package that will include coaches, nutritionists and physiologist, and even a sports psychologist if needed to ensure that athletes are in better condition.
This will not just be a government effort, but it will in collaboration with some from the private sector who have supported the sports program of the governor, Diaz added.*
