By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
For three straight years, Clark clinched the prime sports title in sports destination category award during the recently concluded 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA).
Holding over 200 sporting events last 2019 including the 30th Southeast Asian Games, there was no doubt that Clark was deserving of the award.
“We are honored to be part of this (PSTA). We think that more than ever, this event is very meaningful because it comes in the event of the challenge of COVID-19 pandemic. Other industries would have been low keyed but it is in honor of the association that tonight’s activity is being handled to show that like sports, it perseveres and it aims to achieve and overcome obstacles that were met along the road. So, as tribute to that perseverance, we welcome you to Clark and to the resurgence and the revival of Sports Tourism in our country”, said OIC of Clark Development Corporation, Mariza Mandocdoc.
Clark Development Corporation also expressed how the COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone including them but assured stakeholders that next year they will put the sports tourism sector back on track.
The 4th PSTA is sponsored and brought to you by Smart Communications, Universal Robina Corporation, and Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines.
For the other categories, Manuel V. Pangilinan bagged the Sports Tourism Personality of the Year (private), Mayor Felipe Remollo for Sports Tourism Personality of the Year (government), People’s Television Network for News Coverage of the Year, New Clark City for Sports Venue of the Year, Philippine Airlines for Airline of the Year, Resorts World Manila for Charity Event of the Year, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines for Event Sponsorship of the Year, The Mansion Boutique Hotel and Villas for Hotel of the Year, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for Destination Marketing of the Year, Triathlon Association of the Philippines for Sports Association of the Year, TINMAN Ilocos Norte for Event of the Year (domestic), Ironman 70.3 for Event of the Year (International), Sunrise Events Inc. for Organizer of the Year (private), and Dumaguete City for Organizer of the Year (government).