From L-R: CDC President and CEO Noel Manankil, Manila Soccer Academy Director Monty Roxas, and BCDA President and CEO Vivencio Dizon led the opening of the Pinas Cup 2018.
CLARK FREEPORT—Sports enthusiasts and tourists in the country will soon have a greater experience here as the Clark Parade Grounds will be developed into a world class multi-sports area.
This was announced during a speech delivered by Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Vivencio Dizon at the opening ceremony of the Pinas Cup 2018 in Clark.
"For next year, you’re going to find something very different when you play here because all of these will be transformed into a world-class football pitch. So, para rin kayong naglalaro sa Europe at sa iba pang bansa pagbalik ninyo dito next year,” Dizon said to the participants.
The Pinas Cup, organized by the Manila Soccer Academy (MSA) in participation with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), was held for the third year in a row in Clark. This year, the event gathered 115 football clubs across the country.
The Clark Freeport also serves as a major area for various events on Sports Tourism and Eco Tourism in the country, as Dizon cited the support of the government for such activities.
“It will just get bigger and bigger and the government is going to support it all the way. Kagaya nga ng sinabi ko, for next year, gaganda na lalo itong napakagandang Parade Grounds na ito dahil i-coconvert na namin ito into a world-class football and multi-sports area katulad ng nakikita natin sa ibang bansa,” Dizon said.
The games started with the International Invitational Youth Football Tournament.
Meanwhile, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Noel Manankil mentioned that aside from football, other sports activities like the World Record attempt of Trinx Bikes for the longest line of bicycle parade will also be held here.
“A record-setting feat will be hosted here. This is a biking event that hopes to bid in the Guinness World Record. We also have a Sunset Marathon. So, generally ang mga type of activities na madalas ginagawa dito ay biking, marathon and football,” Manankil said.
MSA Director and head organizer of the event, Monty Roxas, cited the suitability of the Freeport as their major location for the event.
“Ang home turf namin ngayon talagang dito na sa Clark. Ang maganda kasi dito, makikita mo na ang lawak ng field ng football area. So dito lang talaga tayo pwedeng makahanap ng ganito kagandang field at ang environment ng Clark ay napakaganda at napaka conducive para sa Pinas Cup. Mas maigi kesa pumunta kami kung saan saan kasi kailangan quality ang pitch, quality ang venue, at quality ang mga hotels,” Roxas said. (Clark Development Corporation)