In a remarkable celebration of sports and heritage, Tagaytay City has unveiled its new indoor velodrome, a state-of-the-art facility that now stands proudly alongside an International Cycling Union (UCI)-grade BMX track. The event was marked by the unveiling of a 12-foot stainless steel statue of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, dressed in fencing gear, symbolizing his role as an athlete and national hero. The statue, positioned at the main entrance of the new City Hall, is a fitting tribute to the hero known for his intellectual brilliance and sportsmanship.

Dr. Jose Rizal: Athlete and National Hero

The statue’s installation is not just an aesthetic addition to Tagaytay’s sports complex but a powerful reminder of Rizal’s contributions to Filipino sports. As Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the outgoing mayor of Tagaytay and current President of the Philippine Olympic Committee and PhilCycling, explained, Dr. Jose Rizal was a multi-talented individual who excelled not only in the intellectual and artistic fields but also in sports.

“Dr. Jose Rizal excelled in everything he engaged in. In sports, he was a fencer par excellence, a sharp shooter, and a grandmaster of chess,” Tolentino remarked. “This tribute acknowledges not only his intellect but also his commitment to physical excellence, something we can all aspire to.”

Velodrome Inauguration: A New Sports Hub for Tagaytay

The unveiling of the Tagaytay City Velodrome, a 250-meter wooden track, marks a historic moment for the city and the Philippines. The facility is one of the few UCI-standard velodromes in the ASEAN region, and its opening was celebrated with more than a dozen newly constructed sports facilities, including the modern-designed City Hall. These developments reinforce Tagaytay’s status as a world-class sports hub, offering the region state-of-the-art facilities for cycling, BMX racing, and more.

At the event, over 2,000 athletes, sports officials, and local residents gathered to witness the inauguration of the velodrome, alongside a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included Tolentino, Cavite’s first woman governor Athena Tolentino, and Asian Cycling Confederation president Dato’ Amarjit Singh Gill. Also in attendance were Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo, Tagaytay City Vice Mayor Agnes Tolentino, and Cavite Eighth District Rep. Aniela Tolentino.

Celebrating Filipino Athletes: Yulo and Petecio Lead the Charge

The ceremony was further highlighted by the presence of Carlos Yulo, double Olympic gymnastics gold medalist, and Nesthy Petecio, an Olympic boxing medalist. Their attendance underscored the significance of the event in promoting Philippine sports. Both athletes, who have achieved international recognition, served as living testaments to the importance of athletic excellence and hard work.

A Day of Celebration and Legacy

Following a meeting at Papa Bolo Brewery and Restaurant, the event included a tour of the velodrome on the city’s e-trikes, an initiative that provided a unique way for attendees to experience the city’s dedication to both sustainability and sports development. The unveiling of the statue and the inauguration of the velodrome were more than just ceremonial; they were a reflection of the city’s commitment to nurturing Filipino athletes and providing them with the best facilities to excel.

“We are proud of what Tagaytay has achieved today,” said Tolentino. “This is a tribute not just to Dr. Rizal, but to all Filipinos who strive for excellence, whether in sports, in life, or in service to the community.”

As Tagaytay City continues to develop as a center of sports and culture, the opening of the Tagaytay City Velodrome and the unveiling of the Dr. Jose Rizal statue mark significant milestones in the city’s journey to becoming an even more important hub for athletic development in the Philippines and beyond.