The Sorsogon Sports Arena (SSA) was inaugurated officially by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, with an eye on transforming it into a national training camp for athletes in the Philippines’ quest for Olympic glory.
The event coincided with the province's 130th charter anniversary and 50th Kasanggayahan Festival.
The sports arena is part of the Sorsogon Sports Complex that spans 7.1 hectares, and boasts a seating capacity of 15,000, expandable to 20,000.
The SSA is patterned after the Colosseum in Rome.
The four-story sports facility can accommodate athletes and other guests in its 139 rooms, and 39 dorm-type rooms with a 560 bed capacity.
Senate President Francis Escudero, who initiated the project for the SSA, said it is the largest venue in the Bicol region.
"Ito na marahil ang pinakamalaking venue ngayon, sa pamamagitan ng Sorsogon Sports Arena, sa buong Bicol region," Escudero said.
Escudero said the SSA can also be used for hosting conferences, concerts, and other major events.
The inauguration was also attended by Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Secretary Frederick Go; Senator Francis Tolentino; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, Camille Villar; Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Manligas Bonoan; Sorsogon First District Representative Bernadette Escudero; Sorsogon Second District Representative Wowo Fortes; Sorsogon Governor Jose Edwin B. Hamor; and Sorsogon City Mayor Ma. Ester E. Hamor.
NATIONAL SPORTS SCENE
The provincial government aims to host both local and international sporting events, positioning Sorsogon as a key player in the national sports scene.
In his speech, Marcos highlighted the arena's significance in fostering athletic talent in the Philippines.
“[Maaari] rin itong [gamitin] bilang [isang] national training camp sa mga atletang Pilipino,” he said.
"Ito po ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang maitaguyod natin ang ating mga kababayan na may angking galing sa larangan ng palakasan," he added.
The President's vision is to inspire a new generation of Olympians, following in the footsteps of athletes like Isidro Del Prado from Barcelona, Sorsoson, who represented the Philippines in the 1984 Olympics.
Del Prado holds the 400-meter dash record in Philippine athletics.
As the facility opens its doors, it invites athletes from all over the country to train and develop their talents.
