‘Yoly’ suspends City Olympics

The 23rd Cebu City Olympics was officially suspended yesterday as Typhoon “Yolanda” barreled its way into the Philippine area of responsibility.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, northern parts of Cebu including Cebu City were put under signal number two.

According to Cebu City Olympics organizer Ricky Ballesteros, they decided to cancel the multi-sports meet for the safety of the competing athletes and officiating officials.

The suspension order came from DepEd Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rhea Mar Angtud. It was announced at around 8 a.m. when most of the events scheduled yesterday were already starting. Tournament managers were advised to reschedule the games probably on Saturday if the weather permits.

According to DepEd Cebu City Division Sports Coordinator Zenaida Gocotano, they will make sure that the meet will resume on Saturday because they are worried about the athletes’ tight schedule next week since classes would have started by then.

“We will finish this faster. Maybe there will be no more awarding ceremonies on Sunday because we have to finish this as quickly as possible so as not to affect the athletes’ studies,” said Gocotano.

According to her, preliminary games in volleyball, football and swimming have already kicked off before the suspension order was announced.

During last Wednesday’s opening ceremonies, Angtud already expressed fears that the meet will be suspended when it was announced that Typhoon “Yolanda” would hit the country.

Gocotano for her part, is hopeful that the situation will not affect the athletes’ performance in next month’s Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) meet where Cebu City is the defending overall champion. She also called on all coaches and athletic directors to help lift their athletes’ sagging morale in these trying times.