Members of the PADS Adaptive Dragon Boat Team huddle together in prayer during one of their recent competitions. The squad composed of determined PWDs will compete in Cagayan de Oro this Saturday.
/ PHOTO FROM PADS FB PAGE
FOLLOWING the tragic death of a triathlete in last Sunday’s Cobra 70.3 IronMan Philippines, Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo submitted a resolution to the city council yesterday that will require every athlete to submit a medical certificate from a cardiologist, before they can join next year’s race.
Guardo told reporters during a press conference Tuesday that he decided to take action since there have already been two deaths in the annual race in Cebu alone.
The latest victim was identified as 47-year old Eric Mediavillo of San Pedro, Laguna who suffered a heart attack while competing in the opening swim leg of the three-sport race.
In 2012 when Cebu first hosted the international event, another triathlete, Ramon Igana Jr. died of pulmonary embolism during the bike leg.
“I passed a resolution that will require the organizer of the Cobra IronMan to require all the athletes to undergo a medical check up coming from a cardiologist,” Guardo shared. “It is a month before the race that they are required to submit a medical certificate coming from the cardiologist stating that they are fit to compete in the race.”
Besides the Cobra IronMan, Guardo is also considering to pass another resolution which will require running organizers to obligate every athlete who will participate in long-distance races such as the 21K and 42K to submit a medical certificate to avoid any tragedy from happening.