Hayco targets water sports village at SRP

Despite being busy with his bid to give Cebu a third Guinness world record, Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) chairman Edward Hayco isn’t slowing down as he is looking to introduce water sports to Cebuanos soon.

Hayco and kayaking pioneers from Habagat, Buzzy Budlong and Randy So, will spearhead the plan to give water sports exposure locally.

They are looking to use a portion of the Sugbu Building at the South Road Properties (SRP) this summer to become a temporary facility for kayaking, paddling and other water sports.

“Our objective for this additional sports offered for free under the Cebu City Sports Commission’s summer sports development program is to introduce the Cebuano youth to water sports,” said Hayco.

Hayco said the SRP will be a perfect venue for water sports because it has a wide sea side area and is very accessible.

He said SRP is just a few minutes away from the city so they should take advantage of it and develop it into a water sports park and at the same time help develop the sport under the Cebu City Sports Commission’s goal to enhance the grassroots level.

Hayco and the Habagat paddlers are planning to build a pond for paddling while the seaside may be used as a venue for dragon boat teams practice sessions.

“Let us use our passion in sports to help kids be active and try the sports that rich people are engaging in these days.”

However, the budget for building this kind of facility needs funding from the city government and private sector.

For Hayco, everything is possible if everyone will lend a hand. He set as an example the completion of the first-ever public sand court for beach volleyball beside Fort San Pedro. The city government, Philippine Sports Commission and the private sector joined hands to build that sand court, which is now a venue for beach volleyball teams here in the region.

With this kind of collaboration, Hayco said the plan for a water park won’t be impossible.

He said the water park will also be a suitable venue for functions and events, which the city government can earn from. /correspondent dale g rosal