Benguet is now capable of hosting national and international sport events, especially basketball and volleyball, with the upgrade of the multipurpose gym at the Benguet Sports Complex in Wangal, La Trinidad.
The gym, with a 7,000-seating capa-city built several years ago and now has an upgraded floor and other amenities that comply with the standards set by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), has been inaugurated by Benguet officials led by Gov. Mechor Diclas and Rep. Eric Go Yap, who sourced out funds for the facility’s upgrade.
Yap told reporters in an interview the gym will be subject to further enhancement, such as put up of large screens like those seen inside the gyms of National Basketball Association teams.
Earlier, Yap earmarked P30 million for the improvement of gym, which covers the completion of the multipurpose gymnasium, improvement of the flooring of the court and bleachers, and lighting installation.
The solon said once additional improvements are completed, Benguet is poised to host national and even international sports events.
He is also optimistic the ongoing rehabilitation and upgrading of the sports complex will be complete by March 2022 after he sourced out P165M for the project.
The sports complex will be installed with rubberized track oval, which Benguet officials hope will meet international standards while the existing grandstand was demolished to give way to a grander stadium with rooms for athletes below the bleachers.
Yap said he is dismayed over the snail-paced progress of the sports complex rehabilitation.
Benguet officials are optimistic the improvement of the major sport facilities in the capital town will aid the province, especially the athletes, in their training. – Ofelia C. Empian
