Blackwater owner wants gyms to open under GCQ

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

PBA team Blackwater Elite’s owner, Dioceldo Sy, is strongly supporting the re-opening of sports facilities and gyms once the lockdown will be downgraded to a general community quarantine (GCQ).

Under Resolution No. 29 of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), gyms, fitness studios, and sports facilities are still not allowed to operate even after the location under enhanced community quarantine has been downgraded to GCQ.

However, according to Sy, being physically fit is one important way to combat the pandemic as sports can help boost one’s immune system.

So in line with this, Sy does not think that locking down sports facilities and gyms can help amid the pandemic.

Also, Sy tackled on IATF’s approval of television and movie production while sports activities are still banned even under GCQ.

“Shooting of film or television show is almost similar to a (PBA) team resuming its regular practice. Mas marami pa ngang tao na involved doon. Whereas sa practice ng team limited lang talaga ‘yun, and could even be held behind closed door,” said Sy.

Since PBA’s suspension last March, the league also followed strict rules and protocols mandated by the national government.

In compliance, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial also suspended team practices after holding a stoppage of games amid the Philippine Cup season.

“Teams and players need to prepare and get back in condition. Para at least once sports events are allowed to resume, ready na agad yung mga players. No need to undergo two weeks or a month of training to get back in shape,” added Sy.