PARAGLIDING Philippine president Albert Mendoza believes the coming Paragliding Accuracy World Cup, slated on March 27 to 29 in Saranggani, will serve as launchpad to popularize the sport that is very fit for Filipinos.
“It was a big challenge putting up the World Cup here but we are taking the challenge because this is a sport that could give the Philippines a lot of honors in the future,” said Mendoza before mediamen in yesterday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate in Manila.
“We think Filipinos are suitable for paragliding because of the physical and mental aspects involved in the sport,” added Mendoza, who praised the venue at SAFIC Ranch in Maasim, Sarangani.
“The Safi Ranch ranch has good weather and stable winds all around so it is ideal for paragliding,” said Mendoza as he also thanked Sarangani Gov. Steve Solon and Maasim Mayor Jojo Lopez in supporting and hosting the international event
A total of 60 entries from 16 countries will be competing in the first leg of the event to be participated in by entries from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Australia, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Japan, Canada, US, France, South Africa, and host Philippines.
Paragliding Phils. member Buko Raymundo said among the locals to watch are Sarangani natives Joseph Onceda, Christopher Romao and Carlo Monteko in the session presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel,, Shakey’s, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
Raymundo, who saw action for the country in the paragliding event in the 2011 Indonesia Southeast Asian Games, said the competition will be held for six rounds over three days with the pilot having the least number of demerits in landing at the drop zone 1,000 meters below the jump-off point emerging as the champion.
He added his group has taken all measures based on the international guidelines set by the International Aero Federation, the world body for the paragliding, to ensure the safety and security of the participants.
Mendoza bared Paragliding Phils. is committed to stage at least one international competition a year in Sarangani.
“We are also looking at other venues throughout the country where we can hold the more paragliding events,” he said.