VISITORS picnic on the grounds of Philippine Arena in Bulacan province, which is now the new home of the University of the Philippines’ track team. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The country’s biggest track and football stadium, located in Bulacan, is now the new home of the University of the Philippines track and field team.
This was announced recently at the launch of the nowheretogobutUP Foundation, a new foundation set up to solicit and manage contributions for the varsity athletes of perennially cash-strapped UP.
According to lawyer GP Santos IV, chief operating officer of the Philippine Arena, where the Philippine Stadium is located, the assistance package includes free use of the facilities of the Philippine Stadium for training, transportation to and from the practice venue and meals for coaches and players of the UP men’s and women’s track and field team. The head coach of the team is Rio dela Cruz.
“We are honored to partner with one of the most promising athletic programs in the country,” said Santos.
“The Philippine Arena just wants to do its part in developing our nation’s athletes,” he said.
The Philippine Arena, he said, would also bankroll the team’s uniforms, shoes, gear, dormitory, equipment and other basic needs.
Coach Rio, as he is fondly called by the running community, said with help like that provided by the Philippine Arena, “UP’s team is on the right track.”
Philippine Azkals and UP Maroons manager Dan Palami, who is also president of the nowheretogobutUP Foundation, welcomed the “very generous contributions of Philippine Arena” as well as commitments of the sponsors of UP’s other varsity teams.
The Philippine Arena is the largest indoor arena in the world, with a seating capacity of 55,000.
Located in the Philippine Arena compound in Bulacan, the Philippine Stadium, on the other hand, is the largest track and football stadium in the Philippines, with a seating capacity of 25,000.