SEA Games organizers race to finish skate park, cycling oval

TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite, Philippines — Construction and putting finishing touches to the 3-hectare skate park and cycling oval here are in full swing days before the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games begin.

The private contractor, WRC Construction, aims to complete the oval by Nov. 27.

The sports complex, near the Tagaytay International Convention Center, will host cycling, BMX and skateboarding competitions scheduled to begin on Dec. 4.

As of Monday, the venue was 93 to 95 percent complete, according to WRC engineer Laika Canseko.

Workers, augmented by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the city government, have been working until midnight to install the 1,000-capacity bleachers and roofs for the audience and to finish the painting of the skating ramps.

Canseko said intermittent rain over the past few days had delayed the work, but she vowed to beat the deadline in time for the start of the sports events.

“They could not work very late due to the chilly weather,” said city administrator Gregorio Monreal.

After the SEA Games, Tagaytay’s sports complex would become a regular venue for international competitions.

Another skateboarding venue in Cavite province is Maragondon town. Competitions will be held on Dec. 5 and 6 in the skatepark near the popular Kaybiang Tunnel.

“[Hosting the games] is one way to promote Maragondon internationally,” said Mayor Rey Rillo.

In Laguna province, the adjacent cities of Santa Rosa and Biñan would also host games.

Santa Rosa’s Sports Complex will host netball matches between Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, while women’s and men’s football will be held at Alonte Sports Complex in Biñan.