09 November 2003 DOT opens sports tourism campaign with “WOW” outdoor challenge
Tourism Secretary Richard J. Gordon announced that the Department of Tourism is opening its campaign to promote tourism through sports with the staging of the “1st National Whitewater Rafting Challenge” from October 18-19 to be held in Cagayan de Oro City.
“The staging of this “Wild Over Water” or “WOW” outdoor event only proves that sports and adventure activities can become a potential come-on for tourists to explore the country’s “Wealth of Wonders”,” Gordon said.
Gordon said that the first-ever outdoor event will be participated by twelve teams from all over the country – Teams Teva, Coast Guard and Mobile Media from Manila, Teams Habagat, Cebusports.com and Cebu Ferries from Cebu, Team Pepsi from Iloilo, Teams Viajero and Cohara from Cagayan de Oro, Team Mkavi from Bukidnon, Team NORMMS representing Northern Mindanao and Team Baye from Davao.
The tourism chief also said that the rafting challenge is expected to draw thousands of spectators in the two race events – the sprint race and the downriver race, which shall both be held at the Cagayan de Oro River where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and him rode the rapids two years ago.
“President Arroyo’s whitewater adventure was a huge endorsement for eco-tourism and adventure sports activities to flourish in the region. Thanks to Her Excellency, Cagayan de Oro now stands as one of the country’s premier whitewater destinations”, Gordon emphasized.
Gordon revealed that the whitewater challenge has been much awaited by all the participating teams, as the winners will eventually form the country’s very first Philippine team, which shall represent the country in various future international whitewater events and competitions.
The races, the tourism chief added, is classified as a “C” level event, with the runs complying with the standards set by the International Rafting Federation Race Rules. The sprint race will be held under the Carmen Bridge and will involve a grueling 140-meter upstream and downstream sprint. The downriver competition on the other hand, involves a 12.32-kilometer race covering the whole stretch of the Cagayan de Oro River.
“The staging of this “Wild Over Water” or “WOW” outdoor event only proves that sports and adventure activities can become a potential come-on for tourists to explore the country’s “Wealth of Wonders”,” Gordon said.
