The two-day Abanse Negrense Badminton Tournament opened today, Oct. 23, in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, participated in by players from the towns and cities of the province.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson attended the opening ceremony of the tournament spearheaded by the Provincial Sports Office, led by executive assistant to the governor and provincial sports coordinator, Tony Agustin.
About 70 players from Himamaylan, Cadiz, Hinigaran, San Carlos, Talisay, Bago, Silay, Calatrava, Sagay, and Bacolod are participating in the tournament.
The competition includes Women’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles Open and Level D.
Lacson said the provincial government is committed to continue promoting the sports programs in the province, a press release from the Capitol said.
He urged all participants and organizers to strictly follow the health protocols at all times, for everybody’s safety.
The opening ceremony was also attended by executive assistant IV Jesus Facundo Combate, who represented San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo, and tournament manager Jay Binas, among others.
The San Carlos City Sports Office and the Philippine Sports Commission, through the Philippine Handball Federation Inc. (PHF), also introduced the Handball sport during the 3-day Introductory Handball Course, Oct. 15 to 17, in the city.
The event was participated in by about 16 sports coordinators and MAPEH, or Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health, teachers from private and public elementary schools in San Carlos.
Philippine Handball Team coaches Luzviminda Pacubas and Aurora Adriano, and Philippine Handball Team members Josef Maximillian Valdez, Dhane Miguelle Varela, Carl Stephen Francisco, and Jalen Rein delos Santos were the facilitators and resource speakers.
They discussed the basic skills, player positions, basic rules, refereeing, methodology and approach of teaching and other related topics on playing Handball.
Jose Dennis Peñalosa, Handball in-charge of the City Sports Office, said in a press release from the city that the course was aimed at capacitating the participants regarding Handball, and promoting and developing the game in the Visayas area, particularly in San Carlos City, since it has potential players and has been performing well in other sports activities.
Steven Hontiveros, president of the Philippine Handball Federation, thanked San Carlos residents and officials for their interest in promoting the sports, adding that he hoped that it will be sustained. | NND
