FOR the first time, a major triathlon event will be held as part of Zamboanga City’s annual celebration of the La Hermosa Festival on October 31.
The Compressport Hermosa Triathlon is a 1.6-kilometer swim, 45-km bike and 11-km that will serve as the culminating event of the centuries-old festival held in honor of Our Lady of Pilar.
Backed by the city government and organized by Fuerza Multisport, the event hopes to promote Mindanao especially the city of Zamboanga as a safe place for local and foreign tourists.
The race also aims to showcase the cultural center of the South as a major sports tourism destination.
“Kasi nga minsan sinasabi ng mga tao, ‘Safe ba diyan?’ Nagpunta na ako diyan last month eh, sobrang safe siya," said race director Jojo Macalintal.
“Para madala rin namin ang sports tourism sa Zamboanga and proceeds of the event ay para rin sa charity,” he added.
Macalintal also noted that although a lot of triathletes from Metro Manila have already signed up, the organizers are expecting the bulk of the participants to come from Mindanao.
“Nakikita namin dito mas madami sa Mindanao kasi marami din doon na gustong sumali and nandoon na sa kanila ang competition gaganapin,” he said.
Christian Olasiman, head of Special Events of the City Mayor’s Office, said the Expo is organized in partnership with the Region 9 offices of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in cooperation with the City Investments Promotion and Services Division.
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