MANILA — Organizers of the National Cheerleading Championship (NCC) on Monday said the competition will push through as scheduled despite reports that the country’s confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) increased to 20.
"We would like to announce that the 2020 Nationals will proceed as scheduled on March 27-29 at the FilOil [Flying V] Arena in San Juan City," the NCC said in a statement.
The NCC announced that "The Nationals" will still take place as scheduled even if the Department of Health reported last Saturday that a man who was tested positive for Covid-19 has frequently visited a Muslim prayer hall in San Juan City. The man’s wife was also tested for coronavirus.
"We will be coordinating with San Juan City officials regarding additional protocols before, during, and after the event weekend, and we trust that the city is on top of the situation,” the NCC said.
The NCC also hinted that the event will be open for general admission contrary to what the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) did during Monday’s Game 2 of its high school basketball finals which was held behind closed doors.
"In line with the Department of Health official guidelines and the heightened health alert advisories from various public and private agencies and institutions, we ask the athletes, coaches, and audience members to continue to practice good regular habits of washing hands and sanitizing surroundings as part of good hygiene," it further said.
"We assure everyone that the 2020 Nationals will be safe, fun, and exciting for all," it added.
Nazareth sweeps UAAP boys finals
Meanwhile, Nazareth School of National University completed a full season sweep of the UAAP boys basketball tournament after trouncing FEU-FERN in Game 2 of the finals, 87-80, at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Bullpups led from wire to wire in the match held behind closed doors while sealing the win at the end of the third quarter when they held a 75-62 advantage over the Baby Tamaraws, whose fourth-quarter rally fell short.
Carl Tamayo led NSNU with 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting, 22 rebounds, one assist, and one block.
Fellow Gilas Pilipinas Youth member Gerry Abadiano added 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
John Pasaol came up with 20 markers, seven boards, four dimes, and five steals for FEU-FERN. (PNA)
