No paint job for NAS

Via directionsonweb.blogspot.com
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) decided it will no longer spend money to repaint the Ninoy Aquino Stadium (NAS) for the 2013 International Basketball Federation (Fédération Internationale de Basketball, Fiba) Asia Championship for Men.

This despite allocating P200 million of its funds for the renovation of all sports facilities inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex early this year.

 PSC chairman Ricardo Garcia said it will cost his agency P3.5 million just to repaint the two-decade-old indoor sports arena.


"We're trying to get a sponsor to get the repainting job done. We believe that repainting [NAS] won't change anything," said Garcia.


"We feel that it will be better to spend P3.5M on other things, like for the needs of the athletes. What's important is all facilities inside [NAS] are in order," Garcia added.


NAS is one of two venues to be used for next month's Fiba Asia, which the country is hosting from August 1 to 11. The SM Mall of Asia Arena will be the main venue, while the Cuneta Astrodome will be used as a practice facility.


Garcia said NAS is ready to host the games. "We have done everything to put [NAS] into shape."


He added all facilities--like the dugouts, bathroom, lockers and dressing room--inside NAS are in good condition.

"The scoreboard and air conditioning units have already been checked. All rooms are open for cleaning and other maintenance works. The lights are all working," said Garcia.


The PSC is working on an annual budget of P183M and Garcia said most of the money is used to maintain several sports venues under the said agency.


The Philippines is aiming for one of the top three slots that will earn a spot in next year's world championships in Spain.


The Philippines is joined by Chinese Taipei, Jordan and Saudi Arabia in Group C.

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